Sombreuil

The rose Sombreuil is one of those whose true identity causes disharmony in the rose world, with many people disputing that it is in fact the same Sombreuil tea rose that was first released in France in 1851. The other main contender for its identity is 'Colonial White', a 1958 release from the U.S, and the story gets even more complicated by it being suggested that this rose was in fact a re-release of the original Sombreuil under a new name.

Whatever it is, the specimens I grow are very thorny, vigorous climbers who start their Spring flush in late October and give another generous showing in Autumn.

Like Crepuscule, Sombreuil is not one of my favourites in spite of many other rose gardeners waxing lyrical about her many attributes..again, she just lacks that certain "something" that makes me fall in love with a rose.