Hi, Adam -- I grew Louise Odier spread across a wire fence in my Sonora, CA (zone 8?) garden all through the '90s. It grew in a mannerly way, and didn't ramp over everything like some other of the roses did there. It had several flushes of bloom each year, with that wonderful fragrance and cupped bloom shape. Mine was a grafted rose from Roses of Yesterday and Today.

Those are lovely, Adam! As Sheila said, I grow what I purchased as Louise Odier from Rouge Valley Roses. It has done so well that many experts on this forum felt it couldn’t possibly be Louise Odier. I get blooms from at least May - September, with a few still opening today.

I wish that I knew the true identity of my rose. If it’s Louise Odier, I’d be able to say she does wonderfully in So CA. Jerri and Strawchicago suggested it might actually be Grandmother’s Hat, which would explain its fantastic health and near constant blooms. I’m sorry that I can’t be more helpful. Mine is quite thorny, compared to Jeri’s specimens of Grandmother’s Hat. This rose does great for me, whatever it really is. I wish I knew.

June

September

In my coastal California garden, it was a failure. Few Bourbons, in fact, have done well here. We can "do" HP's, Chinas, Teas -- but Bourbons -- meh . . .

Adam, you probably have 'La Reine' down there. I'd give that one a shot.

:-)

~Christopher

Unfortunately I have never seen La Reine on offer.

OH, I started to say that there are many sources for it -- but ... you are in Oz, yes?

I'm surprised it's not around there.

Worse still, Western Australia. we have very strict biosecurity laws. I don’t even think eastern states nurseries even ship to WA anymore.

How annoying, Adam.