Originally thought to be a species, Alba roses are now known (through modern DNA tests) to be an ancient natural hybrid of Rosa canina and Rosa damascene. Rosa canina commonly known as the "Dog Rose" earned its name from the thorns that were said to represent the teeth of the dog i.e. Canines and Rosa damascena refers to the origins of this Rose i.e. Damascus in the Middle East. The Romans who did indeed roam (for roam read conquer) are purported to have introduced Alba Roses to Britain. Rosa x alba quickly adapted to its new habitat and grew wild throughout ancient Britain. The name Alba literally translated means white and some historians say this may be why Britain was known as The Isle of Albion in ancient times but I think it is more likely to refer to the White Cliffs of Dover or perhaps it was because the ancient Brits were a pale and pasty lot! No package deals to Majorca in those days.
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Alba roses all have the following characteristics:-
-White or pastel summer flowers that are delightfully fragrant
-Large grey-green foliage on slender stems
-Upright tall growth habit
-Very hardy with good disease resistance
-Low maintenance with only a light prune required after flowering
The most famous Alba rose is commonly known as "The White Rose of York", used as an emblem for the House of York during the War of the Roses (1455-1485). This rose is still grown and loved by modern gardeners today with the only battle being fought at the local Horticultural Society.
Alba. An ancient rose AKA White Rose of York which can be traced back to the 15th century. The summer blooms are double, fragrant and creamy white followed by orange hips. Foliage is a pale grey-green. Always a pleasing sight when in full flower. Disease resistant and needs little pruning
NB Rosa x alba 'Semi-Plena' is also known as The White Rose of York.
Flower Colour: White / Cream Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 1.8m x 1.2m
Alba. Introduced to Britain by the Romans this historic rose has pure white semi-double flowers followed by attractive hips in autumn. Sweetly scented. Suitable for hedging or can be used as a small climber. A simple yet beautiful rose. AKA The White Rose of York.
NB. Rosa x alba Maxima is also known as the White Rose of York.
Flower Colour: White Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 2.5m x 1.5m
Alba. We don't know the origin or age of this rose but we do know that is really lovely when it flowers in summer. The blooms are set on reddish stems against grey-green foliage. They are sweetly scented. softest pink, open and cupped. Red hips follow the blooms. Tolerant and hardy.
Flower Colour: Pink Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 2m x 1.5m
Alba. Named after the 'Queen of Denmark', this summer flowering Alba rose has very fragrant, double, quartered, mid pink flowers with a button eye. The flowers appear in plentiful clusters arching the branches with their weight. The foliage is a grey-green and quite coarse. 1826.
Flower Colour: Pink Habit: Upright Leaves: Deciduous, Green Mature Size (HxW): 1.5m x 1.2m