The Bourbon rose is a cross between China and Damask roses. This resulted in a variety that had many of the great quality of both of those types. It had the great fragrance of the damask with the repeated blooming of the Chinas. This led to their popularity in the mid-1800s. They fell out of favor toward the end of the century, and very few new varieties have been created since then.
Bourbon roses are classed as Old Garden Roses because the Bourbon class originated well before 1867, even though some individual Bourbon varieties were introduced later.
The name does not refer to whiskey in this case! Rather, it was named for the island of Bourbon where they were first discovered, although this island is now called Reunion.
Today, they are grown mostly by old and antique rose growers. They are a tougher plant for a beginner to work with. They can be very susceptible to blackspot and diseases. They are rated for zones 5-10 but they are notoriously finicky, although many gardeners in the Pacific Northwest have had luck with them. They are commonly found as hedges but can be trained as climbers as well. In fact, as they have stiff, long canes, you will get much better blooms by pegging the canes out horizontally, as you would any other climber. Like most old roses, they are beautifully scented.
Some Standout Bourbon Rose Varieties
If I were looking to grow Bourbon roses, these are the six that I would have in my garden. They are the varieties that best represent the class, and all of them are wonderfully scented. Read more about the science of scent.
Souvenir de la Malmaison
Perhaps the most famous Bourbon rose of all, with soft blush-pink, very full flowers and a romantic, old-fashioned form. It is often seen as one of the great masterpieces of the class.
Louise Odier
A classic rich pink Bourbon, loved for its strong fragrance, repeat flowering, and generous shrub growth. It shows the Bourbon class at its best: scented, graceful, and full of old rose charm.
Zéphirine Drouhin
One of the best-known Bourbon roses, famous for being almost thornless and often grown as a climber. Its bright pink flowers and strong fragrance make it especially useful near paths, arches and doorways.
Mme Isaac Pereire
A deeply fragrant Bourbon with large, rich rose-pink flowers. It is often mentioned among the most strongly scented old roses and brings a bold, dramatic note to the class.
Boule de Neige
A beautiful white Bourbon whose name means “snowball.” Its rounded white blooms give the class a softer, more refined look and provide a lovely contrast to the many pink Bourbons.
Honorine de Brabant
A distinctive striped Bourbon, usually soft pink marked with deeper pink or mauve streaks. It is useful to mention because it shows the more decorative and unusual side of Bourbon roses.
Browse Antique Roses
