Rosa France Libre - Hybrid Tea Rose

The France Libre® rose 'Deljaunor', created by Georges Delbard in 1990, is a hybrid tea rose that brightens gardens with its large bright orange flowers tinged with yellow. This variety, awarded multiple times, is particularly appreciated for its excellent vase life. With a perpetual flowering period extending from May to the first frosts, this shrub is perfect for flowerbeds and borders in a sunny garden. Pick its roses to create vibrant bouquets.

Obtained in 1990 by the French rose breeder Georges Delbard, the France Libre® Deljaunor rose belongs to the group of hybrid tea roses, known for their turbinated large flowers carried by long stems. This rose is the result of a cross between an unnamed seedling and a child of 'Zambra' and 'Orange Sensation', giving it its exceptional colouring. Its bright orange petals with yellow nuances at the centre bring incomparable brightness to the garden. The plant reaches between 80 cm and 1 m in height, presenting an upright and elegant habit, perfect for structuring flowerbeds.

The full flowers of 'France Libre', emerging from elongated buds, measure 10 to 12 cm in diameter. This rose compensates for its lack of fragrance with the longevity of its cut flowers, ideal for floral arrangements. The deciduous dark green foliage enhances the flamboyant colour of the flowers. The perpetual flowering starts in May and continues until the first frosts, although this reblooming can be irregular. Resistant to cold down to -20°C, this rose shows good overall disease resistance, although black spots may appear in certain conditions, especially in humid climates.

The France Libre® rose fits well in a sunny flowerbed. Its great hardiness is an asset for temperate to cold climates and it is perfect for creating floral arrangements. In the garden, this rose can be paired with perennial blue-flowering plants such as 'Hidcote' lavender with silver foliage, 'Rozanne' geranium, or even 'Blue Giant' agapanthus. 'Walker’s Low' nepeta, with its airy habit and purple flowers, will also enhance the brilliance of this rose. Its combination with a white rose with single flowers such as 'Escimo' will be superb.

For a little history:

On 18th June 1940, General de Gaulle launched his famous appeal to the French from London, urging them to join him and continue the fight for the liberation of the country. This appeal marked the beginning of an adventure for those who would rally to London and become the heroes of FREE FRANCE. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this significant event, the former members of FREE FRANCE wanted to express their gratitude to the Royal Family of the United Kingdom for their support during the Second World War. Among the gestures of gratitude, the Free French association decided to offer the Royal Family a rose, a symbol of happiness and regained freedom. The chosen variety, a splendid novelty from Delbard, was to be planted in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in London.