Some gardeners like roses that bloom all season — the “repeat flowering” roses. Others prefer to sacrifice the longer season for a comparatively short time of beauty.

        I prefer both — the short, spectacular display of an old shrub rose weighted down with hundreds of perfumed blossoms, and the “repeat flowering” of some of our 20th-century roses. I enjoy observing seasonal changes in the garden, so I am not bothered by the one-time bloomers.

        A large antique flowering shrub rose, such as “Madame Hardy” is an event I long for each summer. The rose breeder, Eugene Hardy, is responsible for this damask rose, named for his wife in 1832. He worked at the Jardins de Luxembourg in Paris and also served the Empress Josephine's famous rose collection at Malmaison.

Madame Hardy

        Famous English rosarian, Graham Stuart Thomas, refers to this rose as, “the white hybrid Damask Rose "Madame Hardy' . . . still after 150 years, incomparable . . . unsurpassed by any rose.”

        “Madame Hardy” was voted one of the top 10 all-time favorites at the 1991 meeting of the World Federation of Roses.

        Only a few other classic shrub roses can approach “Madame Hardy” for the sheer perfection of its flowers. They are not large, but of a beautiful cupped formation at first, later becoming flat and, finally, reflexing. There is the slightest hint of blush in the early stages, but later they become a pure, glistening white. At the center, a small green eye adds to their charm.

        These roses hold themselves on the branches in nicely poised clusters, and are intensely fragrant with just a hint of lemon.

SOURCES

• Mail-order: Arena Roses, Paso Robles, CA; (888) 466-7434. • Locally: A.J. Rahn Greenhouses, 4944 Gray Road, Winton Place; 541-0672.

        A few years ago, I was walking with some guests through my garden. Suddenly someone remarked: “What is that delicious fragrance? Where is it coming from?”

        Fifteen feet away, “Madame Hardy” was covered with a profusion of blooms. Enough said.

        This shrub rose is a sturdy grower — up to 5-6 feet — and very prickly. The broad leaves are a mid-green; new growth foliage in spring almost a pale, lettuce green darkening with maturity.

        “Madame Hardy” is disease-free and winter-hardy. It is also tolerant of some shade and average soil. It is suitable for growing in front of a low fence, or it will spread out along a wall. The bloom clusters make lovely cut flowers.
        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
       

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