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A very pretty Alba rose that grew for years around the entrance to the garden and was then moved
to the back of the herbaceous border where it has slowly forgiven me for the indignity. Roses are not generally good in Cornwall. Their apologists say that they can be grown but the consequence is surly survival rather than exuberant delight. There are a few that perform well enough given a decent, open location and I was told that 'Celeste' was one of them. I grew a few others at the time I planted 'Celeste', not because I had a sudden realisation of their wonder but (I am slightly ashamed to admit) they were offered at 6 for £10. I got my moneysworth but not a lot more. Gertrude Jekyll said: "Lovelier still is the less double Céleste, a Rose of wonderful beauty when the bud is half opened. When once known the albas may be recognised, even out of flower, by the bluish colouring and general look of the very broad leafleted leaves. The blue colouring is accentuated in Céleste, and is a charming accompaniment to the rosy tinting of the heart of the opening flower. " Originated in the Netherlands some time before 1717. |
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| 1st July 2012 | ||
