Rosa 'Fantin Latour'

Found in a British garden around 1900, labeled “Best Garden Rose.” Its original name had been lost, yet it has become a garden favorite. Now named after a French painter since it closely resembles the roses in his paintings. The flowers are large with the hallmark flat & scrolled look. Yet, in spite of looking like an old-fashioned centifolia (with 100 petals), it is it way too happy in Californian coastal gardens to be that. It is now thought to be a much later China hybrid. Lacking the ever-blooming trait from its China parent, yet few really care once they’ve seen it bloom in May. The profuse flowers are cream with shades of pink. It can be cut hard after bloom to form a free-standing shrub. Otherwise the lax canes should be trained on a wall or left to cascade. For best looks, water during the dry season & grow in full sun. Makes excellent and long-lasting cut flowers! I am a single rose lover, but Fantin-Latour with its 100+ petals has captured my heart, & I would not be without it. Highly recommended!