A beautiful rose for Valentine’s Day – Souvenir du Dr Jamain. Rich fragrance, velvet texture. Bred by Lacharme, France 1865, a seedling from ‘Charles Lefebvre’. A superb rose if kept away from scorching sun, which it hates. Flowers are a rich ruby-red and, although semi-double, open to a cupped shape, sometimes showing off the anthers to good effect. Foliage is dark green and the stems are relatively thornless. Well scented. At its best it is of rare beauty and even at its worst can still be enjoyed 10′ x 7′, 3m x 2m (Peter Beales Classic Roses). I love it!
The Teddington Gardener 