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Francesca, bred by Rev. Joseph Pemberton, UK 1928.

Breeding: 'Danaë' X 'Sunburst'. This rose is a mix of the species R. multiflora, Hybrid Perpetual, Noisette, and Hybrid Tea! Most of this class is of a similarly mongrel breed, but that is what has made them such wonderful shrubs.

As 'Francesca' has a Hybrid Tea as its pollen parent, it shows some strong HT characteristics, notably the more modern looking foliage, and very Tea rose-like habit of growth....somewhat spreading, well-branched, and twiggy. The strong yellow-apricot coloring is from 'Sunburst' as well, and it is one of the rose' most valuable traits. As with most of this group, disease resistance is very good.

Blooms are produced in sprays of 3 to 7 or more blooms, with a strong yellow-apricot hue, which fades in time to a creamy peach hue. There is a very fine Tea-like fragrance when blooms are newly opened, but it fades quite quickly I have noticed.

ARS merit rating: none assigned.
Personal merit rating: 8.0
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 6 to 10, zone 6 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 3 to 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide.
Fragrance: 3.5, Tea rose scent.

Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 1996-2003