'Duchesse de Montebello' has a lot of non-Gallica genes in it and it has mercifully escaped the intense Gallica suckering trait. It will form a thicket over time, but by no means will it send suckers 5 to 15 feet from the parent, as some cultivars tend to. Its a lovely rose that should do very nicely in the semi-shady location you have for it, and yes, it has very few prickles. Not thornless, but close to it. You can't go wrong with this rose.

Paul

Thank you, that's exactly what I needed to know about 'Duchesse de Montebello'! Sounds great and I will be getting her for the Spring then :)

Does anyone happen to know about the "Princess de Lamballe"?

I grew Pickerings Alba named Princesse de Lamballe. I moved it as the canes got about 4 to 5 feet in a couple of years and it was not suited to the spot. It has not recovered well - was looking at it tonight and saw 1 cane for a years growth and now consider it finished. I now wished I had not moved it as it was growing so well.

Here is a photo of mine in bloom 2 years back.

Pickering gig not carry it last year.

{{gwi:317667}}

The Queen of the Bourbons I am more use to being the name for a pink single bourbon that does not repeat. I tried it and could not get it to bloom.

Hmmm, I guess there is a Princess de Lamballe that I was thinking of, a beautiful white Alba! Pickering does not seem to have it this year either, so I don't know where I could get one, but I'm glad to know that the rose I was thinking of does exist. Riku, you sound like you really liked it (before you moved it anyways).

Vintage sometimes carries Princesse de Lamballé-though I dont think at the moment-dont remember seeing it there. Some place else to look in case Pickering doesn't carry it any more. It is more of a short climber for me..lovely clean beautiful flowers that last here a long time. I have two. One is in shade and the other sun. Mine stays white. Pompon Blanc Parfait is somewhat similar though shorter..you might consider that one. It is a little more blushy and smaller flowers but equally nice.

patricia

There are two roses named for the ill-fated princess, a bosom friend of Marie Antoinette. The white alba Princesse de Lamballe (not Lamballé, in spite of HMF's spelling)and the pink bourbon Souvenir de la Princesse de Lamballe. I grow both and prefer the alba as more reliable in my climate. It is very similar to Maxima but the stamens are not quite as bright on PdL as on Maxima.

Vintage has it only has a custom root, but I really need a supplier in Canada anyways. I don't want to pay the international inspection fee. I love the history and story of this rose and I guess I'll just keep looking :) Thanks for clarifying the difference between the two different roses with the similar names though, that was confusing me! Albas are much more reliable in my climate as well.