Louise Odier Rose Is Revived & Ready for Your Garden

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Posted on 11/29/2024

From French Heritage and Inspiring Awe Since 1851

Take a step back into the charm of 19th-century France with the Louise Odier Bourbon Rose. Part of the esteemed Jackson & Perkins Old Garden Rose Collection, this exceptional variety combines lush blooms, captivating fragrance, and a rich historical legacy. Louise Odier promises to be a scenestealer whether in a formal garden or a romantic cottage-style space.


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Blushing Blooms That Steal the Show

The blooms of Louise Odier will take your breath away. Imagine perfectly rounded buds unfurling into cupped, quartered flowers, their deep pink petals touched by lilac hues. Each bloom measures about 3 inches in diameter and carries the unmistakable perfume that Bourbon roses are famous for—strong, sweet, and utterly enchanting.

Flowering in flushes from summer through autumn, these blossoms grace the garden repeatedly, keeping your outdoor space flourishing beautifully for months. Borne singly or in small clusters on nearly thornless stems, Louise Odier is a delight to handle and perfect for cutting. Add these blooms to a vase, and their romantic fragrance will fill the air.


a single pink bloom of Louise Odier rose

Graceful and Adaptable: Perfect for Your Landscape

Louise Odier exudes elegance but it's no prima donna. This rose is a vigorous grower with an upright, bushy habit, reaching heights of 3 to 10 feet depending on conditions. Its light green foliage offers a stunning contrast to the rich pink flowers, creating a look that's classic but fresh.

Its versatility makes it a great fit for borders, foundation plantings, or as a stand-alone shrub. For northern gardeners or those with tricky, partially shaded spots, Louise Odier thrives where many roses struggle, making it a practical yet glamorous choice.


GROW LOUISE ODIER BOURBON ROSE

A Rose With a Storied Past

Louise Odier is a piece of living history. Bred in 1848 by Jacques Julien Margottin père and introduced in France in 1851, this rose is a proud member of the Bourbon class, known for its repeat blooms and intoxicating scents. The Bourbon rose lineage originated from a natural cross of China roses and Damask roses on the French island of Bourbon (now Réunion), giving these roses their unique blend of traits.

Named after Claire Louise Odier, the daughter of a prominent French banker, this rose reflects the refinement and romance of its era. Louise Odier's journey through history also includes ties to other legendary roses, with some experts suggesting it shares characteristics with Madame de Stella, introduced in 1863. Whatever its precise ancestry, Louise Odier remains a shining example of the enduring beauty of Old Garden Roses.

What Makes the Louise Odier Bourbon Rose Special?

  • A Scent You May Remember: The strong, sweet perfume of this rose is unmatched, perhaps bringing you back to moments spent in the family garden during choldhood.
  • Distinctive Beauty: With its deeply pink, flouncy blooms, Louise Odier has an elegance that's nearly impossible to resist.
  • Repeat, Prolific Bloomer: Flowering in multiple waves from summer to fall, this rose keeps your garden alive with color and fragrance.
  • Tough Yet Lovely: Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 10b, Louise Odier can handle colder climates and thrives in partial shade.
  • A Link to the Past: Growing Louise Odier means embracing a rose that has enchanted gardeners since 1851.

How to Care for Louise Odier Bourbon Rose

Louise Odier requires regular care, but you won't mind keeping a watchful eye on this beauty. Here's how to give this historical treasure the care it deserves:

  • Sun and Soil: Louise Odier thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and loves full sun, though it tolerates partial shade in warmer regions.
  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Pruning: After its first bloom, give it a light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage repeat flowering.
  • Feeding: Provide a balanced rose fertilizer throughout the growing season to ensure vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

From Garden to History Books: Louise Odier Endures

Growing the Louise Odier Bourbon Rose is like cultivating a piece of history. Its blushing, fragrant blooms can transport you back to an era of grace and charm, while its hardy nature makes it just as at home in modern gardens. Every time it flowers, you'll be reminded why this rose has been cherished for nearly 200 years.

The Jackson & Perkins Library of Roses has collections that appeal to rose growers around the country, we've even sourced roses from around the world that you won't find anywhere else. We're proud to offer you more roses, more forms, and more colors in an assortment that grows each season.


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