According to legend, the Souvenir de la Malmaison rose was given to Napoleon by the Empress Josephine to bring him back safely from war. It was claimed to resemble Napoleon’s hat and was also carried by French soldiers in the Battle of Waterloo to protect them. Napoleon survived his battles and died in bed, although he was not with Josephine.
Souvenir de la Malmaison rose is named after Josephine’s gardens in Malmaison, near Paris. However as it was developed in 1843, well after the reign of Napoleon, the identity of the true Napoleon’s rose is unknown. It may not protect a warrior in battle, but it is a lovely rose.
Souvenir de la Malmaison blooms very well, even if left unchecked, and is available as a climber or a standard rose. Its most striking feature is the strong perfume – a vivid fruity scent.
Availability and cost
Souvenir de la Malmaison roses are available from nurseries throughout Australia. A two year old bare-rooted rose will cost $12-$15 and in a 25cm (10″) pot about $20. Alternatively you may like to contact a rose nursery that specialises in old-fashioned roses such as; Colonial Cottage Nursery, 62 Kenthurst Road, Dural, NSW, 2158, phone: (02) 9654 1340. Honeysuckle Cottage, Lot 35 Bowen Mountain Road, Bowen Mountain, NSW, 2753, phone: (02) 4572 1345. Brundrett’s, Brundrett Road, Narre Warren North, VIC, 3804, phone: (03) 9796 8305. Ross Roses, St Andrews Terrace, Willunga, SA, 5172, phone: (08) 8556 2555.
Further information
For more of Jackie French’s ideas consult her new book Making Money from your Garden (Earth Garden Magazine, 1997, rrp $9.95). Available from book stores and newsagencies throughout Australia.