I looked it up on HMF, and there is a LOT of confusion on there re what its real name is, who hybridized it, and even what type of rose it is. Possibilities range from hybrid china, noisette, tea, & back again. See the Commentse, where it says it might really be 'Prince d'Esterhazy'. One entry for that says it is a mauve blend, but none of the entries I could find say how very double it is, at least from the photos on HMF under Grafin Esterhazy. My first reaction to it looking at the photos under GH was "wow - it would definitely ball in my climate", just based on the shape of the buds and blooms and amount of petals. Hopefully someone will see it on here and know something about it.

jackie

Here's a nice page about it: http://zielonozakreceni.pl/forum/roze/3751-roza-rosa-graefin-esterhazy

I have great curiosity for this rose as a hybridization specimen. All the photo's reveal very glossy and healthy foliage and not just close-ups of attractive blooms. Yes balling is a risk and I must consider that. Thank you for responding though! Ellen that page is filled with superb photos and seem to indicate a strong-willed rose that can fight through weed pressure and has excellent foliage.