Difficult in Europe due to all the wars. Sangerhausen has 'Sombreuil' at least since 1936. See photos of John Hook and others. L'Haÿ only had 'Colonial White' back in 2007, and still shows it on its Website:
I am growing La Biche (from Roses Unlimited) and comparing them to Mlle. de Sombreuil from Sangerhausan and Tete D'Or (not Sombrieuil climbing) which I have and they are not the same. The La Biche is definately a Noisette growing in excess to 8 ft with cluster flowers so I will continue calling it La Biche
This is interesting! We are comparing Mlle de Sombreuil (ex La Biche) from Vintage Gardens with Mlle de Sombreuil from Sangerhausen and also believe they are not the same. Can you post pictures of your Sombreuils from Sangerhausen and Tete d'Or, including some botanical details? We will do the same.
Do you know whether there are records of the provenance of roses currently growing in the important European collections, or whether anyone is working on this?
I grow "Carlesruhe cemetery Maria Bruhn", which is said to match roses grown as Mlle de Sombreuil. It's healthy in my no-spray garden, zone 9b, Mediterranean-type climate.
Better than average mildew resistance unless extremely water stressed. Very good rust resistance with some black spot showing up late in the season on old foliage. That is in Zone 9b, Central California Coast, nine miles from the Pacific Ocean with extreme marine influence.
The study name "George Washington Richardson" should probably be added to synonyms for 'Mlle. de Sombreuil', as its identity appears to be pretty certain.
It was found on the grave of George Washington Richardson, a Northern California blacksmith who died, age 32, in 1896.
I suspect that we may end up with many foundling roses in the 'Mlle de Sombreuil' file one day. Whilst HelpMeFind does tell us which name the photographer has selected when the photo is opened, it is not immediately obvious at first glance. I think it will be valuable to have the photos edited with the name of the rose, (or foundling name, whichever is relevant). Would the photographers please insert names for the photos in this file and then I will feel happy to merge "George Washington Richardson". I have added the names to the "George Washington Richardson" file, but it is peak spring here and my garden calls.
Thanks Jeri. I was probably not clear in my comment. I will rephrase by asking: Are there any photos in the 'Mlle de Sombreuil' file which were the rose once known as: • "Huntington La Biche" • "La Biche (In commerce as)" If so, which ones please? I believe the "study name" should be included in the photo's description.
Oh, I see. Likely all of them, since it is STILL in commerce as 'La Biche' despite the fact that most authorities are now in agreement that the rose which was at the Huntington as 'La Biche' is in actual fact 'Mlle. de Sombreuil'.
Let me take a look at the various photos and give you a better answer.
