An Alba rose. A very ancient rose, almost certainly grown by the Romans, and probably by earlier civilisations. A large shrub to 2m, with arching branches, the strong new stems produced from the base. Leaves greyish-green, with usually 7 broad leaflets. Flowers well-scented, pure white, semi-double, around 8cm across, in early summer only. The stamens are well-developed, and the plant usually produces a good crop of hips. Both this and ‘Alba Maxima’ are said to be good in cool climates, and grow well in Scotland, but they also do well where summers are hot, such as in Bulgaria where they are grown for attar of roses, along with damasks. Zone 3, surviving -25°C, and probably less.

The photograph featuring the hips was taken in The Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, near Totonto, Canada.