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Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ (Bourbon Rose)

Souvenir de la Malmaison Rose, Guanabara Rose, Queen of Beauty and Fragrance Rose, Boubon Roses, Shrub Roses

Award General
Rose Souvenir de la Malmaison, Rosa Souvenir de la Malmaison, Heirloom Roses, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose, Pink Rose
Rose Souvenir de la Malmaison, Rosa Souvenir de la Malmaison, Heirloom Roses, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose, Pink Rose
Rose Souvenir de la Malmaison, Rosa Souvenir de la Malmaison, Heirloom Roses, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose, Pink Rose

Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ is one of the most iconic heirloom roses, celebrated for its exquisite beauty, strong fragrance, and rich history. First introduced in 1843, this Bourbon rose has become a symbol of timeless elegance and romance in gardens around the world. Named after the famous Château de la Malmaison, the home of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, it reflects her passion for roses and her influence on rose cultivation.

Known for its lush, full-petaled blooms and delicate blush-pink hue, Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ remains a beloved choice for gardeners seeking a blend of history, charm, and performance. Its adaptability, manageable size, and captivating fragrance make it an excellent addition to cottage gardens, formal rose beds, or as a standalone specimen.

Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes other plants such as Apples (Malus domestica), Peaches (Prunus persica), and Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa).


Description

Souvenir de la Malmaison Rose is a deciduous shrub rose with large, fully double blooms and a classic rosette form. Its flowers feature a delicate blush-pink hue with a creamy undertone, aging to a soft ivory. The blooms exude a strong, sweet, and classic rose fragrance, captivating anyone who passes by.

This rose blooms prolifically from late spring through fall, with flowers often appearing in flushes. The wide, open blossoms are sensitive to rain but reward gardeners with their stunning beauty during dry spells.


Native Habitat

As a Bourbon rose, Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ is a hybrid derived from Rosa chinensis (China Rose) and Rosa damascena (Damask Rose), with its origins traced to the island of Réunion (formerly Île Bourbon). It was bred in France by Jean Béluze and named in honor of Empress Joséphine’s famed Château de la Malmaison.


Plant Type and Habit

This heirloom rose is a deciduous shrub with a bushy and compact growth habit. Its gracefully arching canes, with few to no thorns, are adorned with blooms that appear singly or in small clusters, creating an elegant display in the garden.


Plant Size

This rose typically grows 2-6 feet (60–180 cm) tall and 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) wide. Its manageable size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, container planting, or mixed borders, providing versatility in various garden designs.


Flowers

The flowers of this Bourbon rose are its most celebrated feature:

  • Color: Soft blush-pink with creamy highlights that gently fade to ivory over time.
  • Size: Large blooms measuring 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) in diameter, packed with approximately 75 delicate petals.
  • Shape: Fully double blooms with a classic rosette form and intricate petal layering. The flowers evolve from a cupped shape to a flat, quartered bloom, showcasing their exquisite symmetry and refinement.
  • Fragrance: A captivating blend of apple, clove, and tea notes, creating a rich and memorable scent.
  • Blooming Season: Prolific and repeat-blooming from late spring to fall, with multiple flushes of flowers throughout the growing season.

Foliage

The foliage is composed of glossy, dark green leaves that provide a striking contrast to the soft pink blooms.


Hardiness

This heirloom rose thrives in USDA Zones 5–10, making it adaptable to a wide range of temperate climates.


Uses

This rose is versatile and valued for a variety of uses:

  • Ornamental Gardening: Perfect for formal rose beds, cottage gardens, or as a specimen plant.
  • Cut Flowers: Its large, fragrant blooms are ideal for floral arrangements.
  • Historical Appeal: A must-have for enthusiasts of heirloom and historic roses.

Award

Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ has been honored with several prestigious awards, reflecting its historical significance and enduring popularity:

  • Old Rose Hall of Fame: Inducted by the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS), this accolade recognizes roses of historical importance.
  • World Rose Hall of Fame: Awarded in 1988, this honor highlights the rose’s global acclaim and exceptional qualities

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Deer and rabbits can cause damage.


Toxicity

Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for family-friendly gardens. Its petals are even edible and widely used in culinary and cosmetic applications.


Invasiveness

This rose is not invasive. While it may produce occasional suckers, it does not spread aggressively in gardens.

Rose Souvenir de la Malmaison, Rosa Souvenir de la Malmaison, Heirloom Roses, Heirloom Rose, Old Garden Rose, Pink Rose


Rose Bush Care: How to Grow Healthy, Beautiful Heirloom Roses

Light Requirement

This rose thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming and growth.


Soil

This heirloom rose prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) promotes healthy growth.


Water

Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.


Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Supplement with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.


Pruning

Prune after each flowering flush to remove spent blooms and encourage repeat blooming. Conduct annual pruning in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased wood.


Propagation

Propagate Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ using several methods:

  • Softwood Cuttings: Take cuttings in early to mid-spring when new growth is tender.
  • Hardwood Cuttings: Collect mature, dormant stems for propagation in late summer to autumn.
  • Chip Budding: Perform chip budding in summer to graft a bud onto a rootstock for successful reproduction.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Although Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ is loved for its beauty, it can be prone to:

Pest Resistance

This rose may attract common pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale insects, or caterpillars. These pests can damage foliage, flowers, and stems, reducing the plant’s vigor.

Disease Resistance

Roses are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including rose black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases often thrive in humid conditions, causing leaf discoloration, defoliation, or stem dieback. Disorders like rose blindness (failure to bloom) and flower balling (petals failing to open) may also occur under certain conditions. In severe cases, honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen, can damage the plant’s root system.

Prevention and Care

Regular monitoring, proper pruning, and ensuring good air circulation can minimize risks. Applying organic pest control measures and treating fungal infections early with fungicides are essential to maintaining healthy roses.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 36" - 72" (90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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Recommended Companion Plants

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Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Delphinium
Digitalis (Foxglove)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa
Common names Rose
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 36" - 72" (90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Shrub Roses) Rosa (Rose)
Not sure which Rosa (Shrub Roses) to pick?
Compare Now

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