Rosa Parfuma 'Comtesse Marie Henriette' - Shrub Rose

The  Rose 'Comtesse Marie Henriette' (also known as Mme de Maintenon) may be the most romantic of the 'Parfuma' collection, developed by German rose breeder Kordes in partnership with Globe Planter. Its old-fashioned shaped roses are not only delightful, but they emit a captivating fragrance of classic rose with a spicy note. This bush has a harmonious habit and produces numerous large double and ruffled flowers in a pure and fresh pink colour, which nonetheless hold up well, even in the rain. This repeat-flowering variety is also hardy and naturally very disease-resistant, as evidenced by the German ADR label it received in 2015.

The Rose 'Comtesse Marie Henriette' or 'Kortekcho' was recently introduced by German rose breeder Kordes (2013). This lovely creation is part of a series of roses, the 'Parfuma' selected for their fragrance, among other criteria. An upright, bushy and harmonious habit characterises it. This shrub reaches approximately 80 cm (32in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. Its thorny stems bear dark green, glossy leaves divided into five broad leaflets with finely dentate edges, resistant to diseases. Its flowering is long and repeated in successive waves from June to October if the soil remains moist. The rounded floral buds, in a dark pink-red colour, enclosed in green sepals, open into double cups, 8 cm (3in) wide, in a pure pink colour. They are grouped in small clusters of 3 to 5.

Experts have analysed the fragrance of this rose. They describe it as having notes of liquorice and anise, which give the scent a distinct personality. A sweet and fresh apple fragrance characterises the heart note. As the flower ripens, spicier notes are followed by fruitier accents. The scent becomes softer and more tender, underlining the fruity heart of this fragrance as the flower fades. The best time to experience the peak of this rose's fragrance is at noon and in the evening after a hot and sunny day.

This modern rose 'Comtesse Marie Henriette' will delight lovers of scented roses and satisfy both experienced gardeners and beginners. It will find its place in the garden in a large rose bed, at the front of a shrub border, or as a standalone plant in a small, well-maintained garden. The pure pink colour of its flowers pairs well with white blooms and the range of blues, purples, and violets. Consider planting it near easy-to-grow plants such as Chinese peonies, hardy geraniums (Geranium Blue Cloud, Rozanne, Anne Folkard, Nimbus, Orion), campanulas (lactiflora, rapunculoides), catmints, perennial salvias, foxgloves... Dwarf buddleias also make charming companions for bush roses. A group of 3 plants will form a magnificent flowering bush for months. Finally, the compact size of this rose allows it to be grown in a large pot to adorn the patio or balcony. Its flowers can be used to create sumptuous bouquets that will delicately perfume the house.