Therese Bugnet
(Hybrid Rugosa, 1950) – rich reddish pink fading to clear pink. Ah we now come to my favorite Hybrid Rugosa. Although I’ve
never grown her I have seen Therese in other folks’ gardens and I must say she is a very pretty rose. While not as stunning
as some pinks from other rose classes (her blooms are loose which is something I dislike) Therese is a very easy to grow
rose. Her foliage is extremely resistant to disease, which makes her suitable for no spray gardens. Speaking of foliage the
leaves have the interesting property of changing their color from green to vivid shades of scarlet in the autumn. This is a
landscape rose par excellence. Her canes are only moderately thorny, a true blessing when compared to other Hybrid
Rugosas that tend to sport saber thorns. The bushes are also winter hardy (all the way up to the Canadian North) yet do
just as well in the hot humid South. Growth is upright and very tall. The shrub takes hard pruning well which is a good thing
because you’ll need to chop her back a few times a year if you want to keep the bush in check. Of course I’ve saved the
best for last – the intoxicating fragrance. Therese Bugnet has a fragrance that an interesting blend of classic Damask with
just a hint of spiciness (think the clove spice you use in baking). If you are looking for a strongly fragrant carefree rose
definitely give Therese a try. Winter hardy to zone 3.
Image courtesy of Marina Parr.
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