Mme Pierre Oger at Wairere Nursery

Bourbon

Bourbon Roses are named after Ile de Bourbon a small island in the Indian Ocean (now known as Reunion) which was once a French Colony but is now an "Overseas Department of France", whatever that means. The Bourbon Rose was a natural cross between Rosa chinensis and Rosa damascena bifera, these two pollen parents being a popular choice for hedging on the Island so there was obviously some horticultural hanky-panky going on in the hedge-rows. There are several disputed claims as to who saw this chance seedling first however it remains undisputed that seeds of this "new" rose were sent to France around 1817. There they were grown by the head gardener to King Louis-Philippe and became known as "Rosier de I'lle Bourbon". A very similar rose - many say exactly the same - grew in the Calcutta Botanic Gardens around the same time and was known in India as Rose Edouard. Perhaps the original seed was more widely distributed than first thought?

Still, no matter who did what with whom and where they were when they did it, there is no doubt that French horticulturists were the first to recognize the potential of the Bourbon. They went on to reproduce an extremely popular group of roses which we still enjoy in our gardens today. Perhaps the most celebrated of these is Souvenir de la Malmaison - named after Empress Josephine's garden at Malmaison. The Empress, better known to gardeners as a great Rosarian rather than being the second Mrs Bonaparte continues to be a constant and important thread in our Rose story. Souvenir de la Malmaison is a rose that loves the warmth perhaps harking back to its origins in that little Island in the sun. Other desirables are La Reine Victoria, Mme Isaac Pereire, Mme Ernst Calvat and Commandant Beaurepaire (Vince's favourite Rose) - I know, that's a "treadful" joke!

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Honorine de Brabant

Bourbon. The heritage of this rose is unknown but general consensus by rose lovers is that it is one of the nicest striped roses to be found. Delicate shades of lilac and purple on a large cupped blooms complemented by lush foliage. Few thorns, plenty of blooms and a delicious fragrance. Lovely.

This rose can be trained successfully as a small climber.

Flower Colour: Lavender / Purple
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 1.8m x 1.5m

Honorine de Brabant

Expected Stock Height: 20/40 cm ?

This plant is in high demand and supply is limited this year. Add to your Waitlist for updates on next available stock.

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Souvenir de La Malmaison

Bourbon. This rose is named after the famous garden of Empress Josephine - wife of Napoleon Bonaparte who collected roses from all over the world. Blooms are delicately perfumed, double, quartered and blush white with pink shadings. Likes a sunny position as this Madame doesn't like getting wet 1843

Flower Colour: White / Pink
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 1.2m x 1.2m

Souvenir de La Malmaison

Expected Stock Height: 20/40 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $45.99. Payment on order.

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Souvenir De Louis Amade

Bourbon. This French bred rose has 'old world' charm but actually was only released in 2000. Highly perfumed blooms that are large, loose, double and cupped in a shade of soft lilac pink. Golden stamens complete the picture. The plant is bushy and healthy, producing plenty of blooms. PVR.

Flower Colour: Pink / Lavender
PVR:
Habit: Upright
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 1.2m x 1m

Souvenir De Louis Amade

Expected Stock Height: 20/40 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $45.99. Payment on order.

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Souvenir de Monsieur Brueil

aka Souvenir de Madame Brueil

Bourbon. Deep cerise or magenta- pink double blooms that flower in flushes throughout the season. Beautifully fragrant flowers. Vigorous plant with bright green foliage. Available only in Australia and New Zealand. Bred by Antoine Levet (père) (France, 1889).

Flower Colour: Pink
Habit: Columnar
Leaves: Deciduous, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 2.15m x 0.9m

Souvenir de Monsieur Bruel

Expected Stock Height: 20/40 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2025. Waitlist now. Estimated price $45.99. Payment on order.

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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: