Though it resembles none of the photographs posted at present at HMF for 'Abricotée', and the descriptions new and old for that variety (and, if it is to be differentiated, 'Fanny Dupuis') vary considerably between themselves, some of the descriptions do indeed sound as if they fit "Bassouës Tea"; and, even beyond considerations of the apricot color fitting Bassouës, I was much struck by one reference to the growth of 'Abricotée' as being like that of 'Safrano'. Certainly, my now-mature specimen of "Bassouës Tea" has the rangy irregular growth my specimens of 'Safrano' have had when mature, a habit which is not all that common among Teas. I would say that Bassouës is a good contender for being the real 'Abricotée'.
My Basseous Tea blooms much more often than Mdm Lombard. The blooms are smaller than hers but similar in appearance. I actually planted General Shablikine and Mdm Lombard next to each other because they are so similar in bloom and bush form. The only difference seems to be that they bloom on different schedules. But I believe you are correct. These rose must be very closely related
I don't spray my roses, and don't worry about the inevitable black spot in my hot and humid climate, but this rose is really, really, really resistant to black spot. Looking at the foliage, I wonder if it could be one of the China Teas that were popular in the late 1800's/early 20th century à la 'Queen Mab', 'Mme Résal', 'Aurora', 'Mme Laurette Messimy' etc.
