Hmmm. The roundish buds and glandular stipitate foliaceous sepals bespeak a strong Damask Perpetual influence. What appears to be a cluster of flowers as well as the general habit remind me of the ways of the 'Portland from Glendora'/probable 'Joasine Hanet'. Consequently, it could be one of that series of Damask Perpetuals from ca. the 1840s. Or it could be an early HP. Are the leaves--which have an appearance all their own--really without serration, or are the edges underturned so we can't see it?

I will go check the leaves :)

M

They sure APPEAR not to be serrated, don't they?
That's a beauty!

Jeri

Does it rebloom?

I know for sure it's not Portland from Glendora. I've got 2 and this isn't like them. A lovely rose. How fortunate you are to have it.

Diane

Leaves are not serrated on the edges...

M

Marleah,
I agree with Brent that the bud/sepal characteristics speak Damask Perpetual, but your remark about thornlessness and the arching look of the plant also reminds me of a rose that is commonly found on old homesteads and in cemeteries in the PNW. It has been traded under the name 'Charles Lawson', a Bourbon, but the identification is suspect, since it was ID'd by Heirloom Roses in St. Paul. I say that the ID is suspect because Heirloom hasn't got the best reputation when it comes to identifying and naming the genuine OGRs. Theirs is the only data point providing a name for this rose, aside from Ralph Moore's specimen (yes, he also had it archived at Sequoia years ago) but he never attempted to name it, referring to it only as an "unidentified OGR".

I will go compare the sepals of my specimen to determine how similar (or dissimilar) it is to your photos.

PS: It appears Gregg also lists it at Vintage under the 'Charles Lawson' name, and what he has bears resemblance to my plant (from a cemetery in Salem). It is noteworthy that the Vintage description includes a reference to it as a "Blush Damask" in a book by Gwen Fagan.

Here is a link that might be useful: Charles Lawson at Vintage

Thanks Paul for the info.

More than happy to take additional pictures if needed. I think it is neat to think about the heritage this rose might have :)

I am curious how similar your plant and mine are. Just from your statement about the rose being found at old homesteads etc in the PNW makes me think it is the same rose.

I have to say the Vintage picture really doesn't look the same as my rose, however I was a bit confused as the description referred to Variegata Di Bologna and Charles Lawson.

Marleah

The third pic down shows what look like unserrated leaves, but all the other pics show serrated leaves - unless there is another bush mingling with the rose in question.
Laura

Marleah,
Another possible resource might be the NW rose historians, if you haven't already contacted them. In addition to the other valuable advice you've gotten they might also be of help to identify it or be interested in cataloging it. 'scuse me if this is something you've already checked out. Gean

Here is a link that might be useful: NW rose historians

Organic: the mystery bush lingering in the background are the constant thorn-in-my-side blackberry bushes (pardon the pun LOL)

You have very sharp eyes!

Gean: I didnt know about this group - thanks for the info :)

Marleah

I don't think it's the same as Gwen Fagan's "Blush Damask," which has serrated leaves and different buds and sepals. This is a scan from her book "Roses at the Cape of Good Hope."

The leaves and bloom remind me a lot of Bullata which I grow. Actually my favorite thing about Bullata is its lettuce-like leaf structure.

Tammy

Malcolm- I agree the picture you posted does not match the rose I have.

Tammy- I looked up Bullata and my rose isn't nearly as cupped - the blooms are almost flat but the leaves do look very similar.

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to offer opinions :)
Marleah

Your rose looks similar to a rose in the Sacramento Cemetery, our found rose, "Dr Peck's 12th Avenue Smoothie" is thornless, once blooming. Very fragrant. This found rose is thought to be the same as the Charles Lawson in commerce.
Below is a link to a photo I took in the cemetery a few years ago. I liked this rose so much that I propagated it and planted it in my yard even though it is a once bloomer. It is quite vigorous and now takes up the back corner along the fence.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dr Peck's 12th Ave Smoothie/Charles Lawson

Just went out and looked at the leaves on my plant, the edges are serrated, not smooth like your plant.

Jannorcal:

That rose does look very similar. I am going to go back out and check leaves again... New vs old growth, etc..

Marleah

I think this rose's leaves are serrated.
Look at he second picture- top right edge, you will see a serrate leaf arising from the bottom of the spray.
the third picture also shows several leaves with serration in the background (top). I believe these are rose leaves and not blackberry because of the lack of a point on the tip and they have a semi glossy shine.
I have a Michaelangelo rose which sometimes puts out really jumbo leaves which seem to lack serration. the rest of the plant is serrate.

This post was edited by lola-lemon on Mon, May 27, 13 at 23:50