Bourbons were the roses of Victorian England and probably originated from a natural cross between Old Blush (China Rose) and Quatre Saisons (Damask), two roses which were used as hedge material on the island of Bourbon (now Reunion). They produce beautiful, large, full old rose, crepe-like blooms on vigorous growing bushes. These blooms have a wonderful, heady fragrance and many Bourbons repeat bloom.
One of my favorite Bourbons is Queen of Bourbons (sometimes called Bourbon Queen) although it does not repeat bloom for me in my Zone 5b garden–when she blooms, she BLOOMS!
Last year I sent a picture of the Queen of Bourbons to The American Rose Society and she was chosen to be in the 2013 calendar. So, you could say my Queen of Bourbons is a calendar girl.
I think she took her calendar girl status to heart and upped her game because she went from beautiful last year to magnificent this year. I may have to send another picture or two to ARS.


Peter and the Old Beauties
I often say that I have never met a rose I didn’t want. And, though that may be true, it is the old roses like the Bourbons that legendary rosarian, Peter Beales’, referred to as the Old Beauties—they are my very favorites.
Old Beauties are survivors.
Old Beauties are beautiful.
Old Beauties are enchanting.
Old Beauties are incredibly fragrant.
Old Beauties have a rich history.
As I write today in my Potting Shed, I have on my desk a bucket of Old Beauties. Yes, I think Peter had them aptly named.
Purchasing Bourbons and other Old Beauties….
Rose Petal Nursery
Antique Rose Emporium
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Exquisite! Lovely captures….
Thanks Mary! She makes it easy!
Fabulous beauties. I like them a lot too! Great photos.
Thanks Elena! I have been enjoying your pictures too. Glorious spring… It makes winter worth it! ๐น๐๐โค
Amazing photos. T you are SO knowledgeable. I hope that you forward this to Allen. He would enjoy this.
One of the best blogs on roses… Do you have some Indian Variety of roses?
You just made me fall in love with their beauty Theresa! Thanks for this sharing such pretty blooms.
They are easy to love! ๐น
And I say Amen to that.. ๐
*swoon* This beauty certainly deserves to be a “Calendar Girl” !!
Thanks so much Nancy! My pleasure for sure.