Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier'

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 'ALBÉRIC BARBIER' ROSE

Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier' is a hybrid rose bred from the cross between Rosa wichuraiana and Rosa 'Shirley Hibberd' (a yellow Tea rose hybrid). The hybridization took place in 1900 by the French nurseryman René Barbier.

It is one of the most rambler roses appreciated of the twentieth century, and like all those belonging to this category, it is a vigorous plant with soft growth, capable of spreading to cover large areas.

In 1993, Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' was awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit, an award given by the Royal Horticultural Society to ornamental plants with exceptional characteristics.

DESCRIPTION OF THE 'ALBÉRIC BARBIER' ROSE

Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier' is a rose with a scrambling habit characterized by elegant, very glossy dark green foliage. This lush, semi-evergreen foliage grows on long, flexible stems that have few thorns.

This plant grows rapidly and very vigorously, making it ideal for covering various surfaces: you can use it to adorn pergolas, arches, and columns, as well as to cover walls and tree trunks. It is important to give it plenty of space, as it tends to grow very tall.

THE FLOWER OF THE 'ALBÉRIC BARBIER' ROSE

Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier' stands out for its truly spectacular flowering, which begins in May. During this period, the plant is covered with cream-white flowers embellished with a heart rich in lemon-yellow shades.

The flowers are medium-sized (reaching a diameter of about 7/8 cm) and bloom either singly or in small clusters. The flower buds have a spiral shape (a trait inherited from Tea roses) and then open in varying forms, either full or semi-double. What remains unchanged is their delicate fragrance, a fruity scent reminiscent of apples.

The spring flowering is very abundant and spectacular, and it is the only one throughout the year. Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier' is indeed a non-repeat-flowering rose, although occasional late flowers may appear if the plant is grown in areas with a climate that is not too dry.

GROWING AND MAINTAINING THE 'ALBÉRIC BARBIER' ROSE

Rosa x 'Albéric Barbier' is one of the few roses that can cope well in partial shade, although this naturally results in less abundant flowering. It can be grown in north-facing locations and does not mind poor soils. However, if grown in very hot climates, it may suffer from continuous exposure to direct sunlight.

Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' is not a climbing rose per se, so it will need to be guided as it grows: its long stems should be trained along suitable supports and secured with soft ties.

This particular variety does not require vigorous pruning; a light pruning at the end of winter is sufficient to remove dead parts and contain the plant's growth.