If you like the Duchesse, I would recommend Belle Isis, too. I decided to buy both after reading about them years ago on Paul Barden's web site.

Lindsey

Belle Isis is where the Austin 'myrrh' scent comes from. It smells like nothing else ;-)

How sweet is this rose. We have BI in a local garden, but it's never in flower when I visit. : ((

Nice photos: thanks!

I love mine. The flowers are not even all that small, when there are cool nights.

What lovely specimens, Rat Dog Heads, Sheila and Monarda! Such perfect blooms and such delicious fragrance (even though I can't quite get a whiff through the computer screen). I grow DdM, too, and just love seeing her next to my dark and striped Gallicas. Mine came from Palatine, and I wonder if it will grow a bit bigger since it's grafted. So far, it it's around the size of a maturing own root. Time will tell.

I am waitlisted for Allegra, Paul Barden's DdM cross, I saw his mature plant in full bloom, and I honestly think it may be lovelier than its parent. I know. What could be lovelier than DdM? Allegra's blooms were every bit as luscious and luxurious as Paul's photos, and the scent was heavenly! I almost curled up beneath cascade of blooms and refused to leave. Allegra is one of those roses that has become a quest for me...and it's not even purple. I hope to grow both Allegra and DdM someday.

I also enjoy growing Duchesse d'Angouleme. Her lemony fragrance will knock your socks off! Her blooms are like illuminated silk.

Thank you for starting a great Gallica thread, Rat Dog Heads! Carol

Just checking out the Gallica share thread...sigh wish I had more room. I think I do have room for Belle Isis...