I've had Lambert Closse for several years but have moved it twice, so I'm not sure how a fully mature (and settled in) one will behave. The first year LC was a bit wimpy, but bloomed rather well. Pretty pink, but the bloom definitely does not hold its shape the way a well-bred Hybrid Tea does (if that is your standard). In other words, the blooms had a kind of "messy" look to them at times. But when I moved it from the prominent spot next to a path and the back door (where I saw it up close every time I walked in and out), the "messy" look became more charming. It is now towards the back of my backyard, and I quite enjoy it there--from a greater distance. It also got taller than I expected when it was near the backdoor--let's say, 4 ft or more. That was a problem since it was in the front row (and in front of a 3-footer). Out in back, it seems to want to be about 5 ft., but is not very wide. This will be its 2nd or 3rd year back there--it is growing strong and has lots of buds right now. Disease-wise, no complaints at all. By no means would I ever think of getting rid of it, but I'm still waiting to see it strut its stuff--and this may be the year. In the meantime, with its new placement, I'm moderately enthusiastic about it. Kate

According to the Australian book on Tea roses, the rose grown as 'Marie Lambert' in Australia is the same rose we in the US call 'Ducher'. If you search through the threads here, you'll see it being praised under either name. :-) ~Christopher

Since people like to describe hybrid teas are hardy to zone 4, you really have to buy repeat blooming roses listed as hardy to zone 3 to get roses that are hardy to zone 5. The rules are different for once bloomers. I've had roses listed as 5b make it through -30 without any problems. It doesn't make sense, but a lot about current rose growing doesn't make sense.

I'm going to have to order a new 'Ducher'. My original band shriveled and died. My replacement got planted last Autumn, but then got eaten down to the soil line by "something". I saw signs of life last month, but not anymore. And in all that time, what I had never bloomed, so I still haven't experienced the scent I read so much about. I have areas where I want to plant some Chinas and smaller Teas, but I need to finish some bed-prep before I know which ones. 'Ducher' will definitely be in that order. Maybe I should look up 'Mme Berkeley' again.... :-) ~Christopher