HelpMeFind Roses, Clematis and Peonies
Roses, Clematis and Peonies
and everything gardening related.
DescriptionPhotosLineageAwardsReferencesMember RatingsMember CommentsMember JournalsCuttingsGardensBuy From 
"Natalie High Hills" rose Reviews & Comments
Discussion id : 117-153
most recent 3 JAN 22 SHOW ALL
 
Initial post 12 JUN 19 by Ms.Lefty
Is this a once-blooming rose?
REPLY
Reply #1 of 6 posted 13 JUN 19 by Patricia Routley
One of the photos intimates it might be. It is reminding me of ‘Constance Spry’.
REPLY
Reply #2 of 6 posted 13 JUN 19 by Margaret Furness
The nose will tell you if it is CS.
REPLY
Reply #3 of 6 posted 13 JUN 19 by Ms.Lefty
I figured it might be a once-bloomer, since it's classified as a Hybrid China. I used to own Shailer's Provence and it only bloomed once, but for 6 weeks or so. The rose in the photos appears to be a darker pink than "Constance Spry," but I don't know how accurate they are. Plus, as Margaret implied, CS has that unmistakeable myrhh fragrance, which the description doesn't mention.

Does anybody know the backstory of this found rose? Who discovered it, where, and when?
REPLY
Reply #4 of 6 posted 10 JUL 20 by Rosewild
Frances Grate, a fine Southern lady who now lives in Pacific Grove, California gave me this rose as "Natalie's High Hills" in 1991. She had recently returned from a visit with Carl Cato of Lynchburg, Virginia. Carl was one of the four co-founders of the Heritage Roses Group iniated by Miriam Wilkins in 1975. He was the first Editor of "The Rose Letter" which has been continuously published for 45 years, probably the oldest publication dedicated to the old and species roses in the world now.
Apparently Frances got "Natalie's High Hills" from Carl and mentioned North Carolina as its source. We joked how the name sounded like a play on "high heels" but Frances was slyly coy as Southerners sometimes are, I should know, being from Tennessee myself.
Well, it just so happens there is a place called High Heels. It's just across the state line in North Carolina at a town called Henderson not very far from Lynchburg, Virginia. "Heels" as a name is quite familiar to North Carolinians, aka " The Tar Heel" state. On the web you can see a photograph of the name on a gateway, the arched sign supported on both sides of the road by gigantic high heels!
Only recently did I learn the Rose now goes by the name "Nathalie's High Hills" with an "h" added. I tried to contact Frances for confirmation but without success. Suspicious, I investigated further and discovered there is a town called "Nathalie" in Halifax county, Virginia not many miles south of Lynchburg. So possibly Carl found this rose at Nathalie, Virginia and the name "Nathalie's High Hills" is legitimate after all. Which makes "Natalie's High Heels" a synonym (but not forgotten!).
"Nathalie's High Hills" is a lovely Hybrid China with a wonderful fragrance.
REPLY
Reply #5 of 6 posted 10 JUL 20 by Ms.Lefty
Thank you SOOOO much for the backstory, Rosewild! I love heirloom rose lore. How long does NHH bloom? I know that weather conditions have a lot to do with this (the peak for our first flush in here in Baltimore Zone 7b was RUINED by alternating hot, wet, and cold weather), but if it blooms for a month or more (like Shailer's Provence or the foundling "Edna's Rose" that I grow), it's worth growing.

I think it's important to keep the histories (and legends) about these antiques alive, especially since so many of the original antique rose collectors and "rustlers" fans have recently left our world for rosier gardens. I didn't realize that the Rose Letter is still published - I'll have to subscribe.

And with the popularization of all newer landscape roses - Knockouts, Drifts, Oso Easy, Flower Carpets, etc. - replacing even newish varieties in large nurseries, we have to rely on the specialty nurseries to keep our cravings satisfied. I have nothing against breeding easy-care roses, but the new ones rarely have any fragrance. Plus, there are so many older varieties that are just as healthy.

And now, I'll step down off my soapbox. Thanks again for the info.
REPLY
Reply #6 of 6 posted 3 JAN 22 by Patricia Routley
I have added Carl as the discoverer.
REPLY
Discussion id : 101-448
most recent 26 JUN 17 HIDE POSTS
 
Initial post 26 JUN 17 by bumblekim
Can you post closeups of the hips and sepals and buds? Also stem/prickles. It reminds me of some damasks.
REPLY
Discussion id : 80-899
most recent 6 OCT 14 HIDE POSTS
 
Initial post 6 OCT 14 by Smtysm
It looks quite like Louise Odier
REPLY
© 2024 HelpMeFind.com