Diane, Apolline is one of my favorite roses on the Unloved Roses List and I had actually been eying if before because it really is lovely and so unusual. Souvenir de VL is also very beautiful. I just wonder whether the Bourbons are as desirable in Southern California as the teas and chinas. I do have two now but it's too soon to tell how they'll perform when they're mature.

Thank you for this timely post about these Vintage Roses.

Ingrid

Apolline is indeed a wonderful Bourbon. Since you're growing her under 'foggy shady garden' conditions, she may remain relatively compact. In warm, sunny conditions, however, Apolline can reach humongous proportions -- easily one & a half to two times the size that Vintage Gardens estimates as a mature size for this rose. I hope you check back in here to let us know how she fares in your garden -- esp as regards BS & mildew, if those are issues in your locale.

Souve de VL looks tempting, & is one that I'm not familiar with. I'll have to get more info on this one . . .

Hi Ingrid,

I just don't know about Bourbons for hot and dry. Maybe some of the Texas folks are growing it and will comment. It seems like the sale is an opportunity to try without too much expense. It really is a beautiful rose. Reading your posts brings a tear to my eye. I always thought roses loved sun and heat.

Windeaux,

I've actually found that roses "stretch" in shadier conditions so will be interested to see how Appoline does. The Vintage web description led me to believe it would be more compact but could also be a pillar rose so I may try that.

SdeVL is great. A very vigorous rose.

Diane

I have Appoline and her child Marie Drivon...so far, neither of them have gotten huge.

There always is another rose, isn't there? I ordered two HPs from the unloved list: Buffalo Bill and Souv. de Madame Corval. I will love them.

Hi Melva,

About how big is your Appoline?

Diane

Apolline is young and not as large as she is going to get. The rose is just 4 feet by three right now.

Thanks Melva!

Diane