Rose: Mme Plantier
Class: Alba
Date of Introduction: 1835
Fragrant: Yes
Hybridizer: Plantier
Mme Plantier was introduced by Plantier in 1835 after his wife and for that reason you can only assume that it is his best shot. Parentage is unknown and the consensus is it is an alba/moschata cross. The buds are creamy white with a tinge of pink on the outside which then disappear as the flowers open into pure white, cupped, flat and multi-petaled blooms with a green button eye. Foliage is very healthy, light green at first, then turns into olive green. It forms a mounding shrub, has a very lax habit and can grow up to 20 ft into an open tree. It has arching canes, almost thornless and can spread to 12 ft across.
I planted Mme Plantier on the west side of my front porch and this bush has grown so big. I trim it every two years and it grows more vigorous year after year. Few years ago, I decided to tie the plant to the railing of my front porch. It is the only way I can control its growth and keep the plant upright. It is so huge that in early May, it covers half the width of my driveway. It is even winding its canes into the wicker of the porch furniture. When it is in bloom, the bush is covered with thousands of 2” white blooms. The fragrance is so strong that you can smell it from a distance.
Mme Plantier only blooms once and when they do, they bloom their hearts out. It’s a very disease-resistant plant, does not get blackspot, does not need spraying and Japanese beetles do not bother it since they arrive when Mme Plantier has finished blooming. If you want a fragrant rose, try Mme Plantier. You will not be disappointed.
Tip #10 – Set specific goals. You need to be very clear about what you want to achieve and work hard to achieve it.
Until Next time. Stop and Smell the Roses
Stop and Smell the Roses - Stay Healthy and Stress Free 