These
two classes of roses were highly popular in the nineteenth century.
Their large full blooms and slight remotancy excited rose growers
throughout the world. Bourbon roses, the first one discovered on the
French island Ile de Bourbon (now Ile de Reunion) are highly fragrant,
colorful and romantic. Hybrid Perpetuals were raised by the Victorians
who sought exhibition quality blooms. They were the forerunners of
the modern day hybrid teas but few hybrid perpetuals still exist today.
The heat
and humidity can be a challenge to growing these roses in southern
gardens. Blackspot is problematic and spraying is often required.
Some of these roses are well worth it however. It is difficult to
forget the fragrance of a Madame Issac Periere.
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