The great Santa Barbara earthquake took place in 1925. After that devastating event, the whole "style" of the city was changed. It was also at about that time that Eugenia became popular in the area for hedges and windrows. (We still have some of them, here.) This rose grows up through the middle of an 8-ft.-tall Eugenia hedge. The finder saw it blooming bravely above the Eugenia. I suspect it is a remnant of a row of roses that was replaced in the 1920's by the newly-popular Eugenias -- when things were being re-built, and the style of Santa Barbara was changing. Another woman I met found 'Catherine Mermet' blooming above the top of another of those hedges. The houses it probably once grew between were replaced on one side by a fastfood restaurant, and on the other by an apartment building . . . but 'Catherine Mermet' bloomed on.

Hi Bart! I have this rose in a huge pot -- so it is staying quite small. But I think it could get to be bigger . . . The mother plant in Santa Barbara had grown up through an 8-ft-tall Eugenia hedge, and was blooming above it. I figure there's a good chance the Eugenias were planted in the 20's, so this plant might pre-date the destruction of the Santa Barbara earthquake of that era. It's one of several Hybrid Perpetual-ish roses that are very like (but not exactly like) 'La Reine.'

Jeri, that is a gorgeous arrangement! It looks like a still life painting. I'm glad you brought it inside and shared it with us. Thanks!

Woo Hoo! La Reine on Memorial Day! Mine all just finished. Those foggy mornings are better than heat waves. Just a little pm here, nothing awful. Wish we could see these cool temps last a few more months. I got an accidental red white and blue. Florentine finally maturedintosomething grand. I have some potted 5 gallon lions roses in front of that and a nice blue native something I got at a plant sale. They all bloomed together in patriotic style. I did try earlier to time some French lace roses with a big daffodils planting. Nope..daffs went off and roses started opening as they were fading. Ah well....see what next year brings. The yellow iris are open for the second flush so not a total loss. These crazy times... ill be thankful for whatever looks good. Happy beginning of summer to all the warm season folks and enjoy your spring time everyone up north.