I am possibly not the greatest fan of roses, but some in particular really do catch my attention; the Cecile Brunner is one.
I was first drawn to these elegant small roses in my Mother’s garden in Palmerston North, noticing the orderly fashion with which this rose arranges it’s petals. It was almost as if it was holding itself in, until it no longer could - only then do the petals let go and the flower exhales.
I love this small, delicate and extremely elegant rose. I enjoy the colour, the subtle fragrance and the way it effortlessly graces a wall, fence or trellis. It was named after a Swiss rose grower’s daughter - Cecile - and was produced by crossing a tea rose called Madame de Tartas with the Mignoette rose in 1881; so it is no young thing!
The rose loves a sunny spot and will grow into a large sprawling mass if given an opportunity.
Because they grow prolifically during summer in New Zealand, they are a popular choice in wedding bouquets.
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today”.
Dale Carnegie