Which one is Sophie’s Perpetual?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

This spring, I purchased bands of Sophie’s Perpetual from two different suppliers. What I received are two very lovely roses that are somewhat different. Both are vigorous, willing to bloom and mostly thornless. The similarities mostly end there.

Plant A is still very new and hasn’t started to fill in yet. It seems to grow mostly horizontal and has blooms which match images on HelpMeFind. It is very Bourbon-like with a twiggy growth habit. I am pretty sure this one is really Sophie’s Perpetual. Blooms are medium sized and are strongly fragrant with the most DELICIOUS fragrance of myrrh, cherry and old rose.

Plant B is very China-like and although currently in a one gallon pot, has already been producing large panicles of buds. It is a mostly upright grower. Fragrance is moderate but sweet and very licorice-like. My partner thinks it smells like salt water taffy and, odd as it may sound, he is spot on. Blooms are very small, blow open quite fast and open to somewhat messy blooms with exposed stamens. My blooms don’t really match any images on HelpMeFind. Is this plant mislabeled or does it just need more time to mature?

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Comments (5)

seasiderooftop
4 years ago
I've always been curious about Sophie's Perpetual, would love to grow this one but it seems to get too big for pots.
One of the things that stand out to me about Sophie's Perpetual is the darker pink outer petals.
So to me, plant B and especially the second pic is closer to what I would expect for Sophie's Perpetual. The leaves also seem to match the HMF pics. But then the bloom shape seems more of a match to plant A, so very confusing!
Sorry that wasn't helpful at all! I hope that others here who have grown her will be able to give you a more definitive ID.
Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago thanked seasiderooftop
Alana8aSC
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
This is my Sophie's Perpetual. I want to say it's A. B looks like what ARE sells as SP but it's not. But it is a rose I deeply love. It stays in bloom almost year round, is the first to bloom and the last to finish. First photo is Sophie's Perpetual.

I take a selfie with it every year. I found it before full bush shot. Can't figure out how to take other off. I hope this helps.
Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago thanked Alana8aSC
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Mischievous Magpie (CO 5b)
4 years ago
Did you crochet that headband, @Alana8aSC ? :)
Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago thanked Mischievous Magpie (CO 5b)
roseseek
4 years ago
Plant A is the one I grew thirty or so years ago as Sophie's Perpetual.
Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago thanked roseseek
Alana8aSC
4 years ago
Magpie my friends daughter did! She was making and selling them. She makes all kinds of stuff. My friend does as well. I bought some different ones from her. I love them :)
Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago thanked Alana8aSC