Reine des Violettes
(Hybrid Perpetual, 1860) – cerise pink deepening to soft purple. Every time somebody places a post on the Antique Rose
Forum asking for a good repeat blooming lavender or purple shaded Old Garden Rose Reine des Violettes is always receives
the top recommendation. The "Queen of Violets" certainly has many things going for her. Her color for one, a cool rich pink
that darkens as it ages to a soft blend of purple and lavender hues. The name is very appropriate as her sweet perfume has
been likened to the fragrance of viola odorata, the wild sweet violet related to the common garden pansy. Growth habit is tall
and upright. Like many Hybrid Perpetuals, The Queen will easily climb, throwing off long lanky canes that can be trained into
a climber. I don’t recommend that you do this because Reine des Violettes repeats best when hard pruned. Please be advised
that this cultivar’s blossoms have an annoying habit of shattering once they fully open. So if you wish to appreciate them indoors
cut just as the buds are unfurling. Winter hardy to zone 4.
Image courtesy of Ginni Davis.
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