Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Rosa alba L. var. rubicunda Roessig.

Alba or Gallica rose.  ‘Maiden’s Blush’ is a vigorous, upright, arching shrub with cupped, fully double, fragrant, very pale pink flowers, to 7cm across, somewhat paler at the edge of the petals, in summer, with occasional autumn flowers.  To 1.2m by 90cm.  [Gore, Paul (1848, 1863, 1888)].  Willmot provides an illustration of Rosa alba L. var. rubicunda Roessig., which she describes as the ‘Maiden’s Blush’ of the English.  

Horticultural & Botanical History

Although a number of roses were called ‘Maiden’s Blush’ in the 18th and 19th centuries, the rose now generally referred to by this name was introduced in 1797.  The rose now commercially available as ‘Maiden’s Blush’ may not be true to the form of the original rose.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.859/1843].

Notes

Published Feb 10, 2010 - 09:12 PM | Last updated Feb 10, 2010 - 09:16 PM

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, probably France

Synonyms
  • Maiden’s Blush
  • Incarnata
  • La Royale
  • Cuisse de Nymphe
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Rosa gallica maiden’s blush

Confidence level medium