Where is the China rose ancestry attributed to? It seems to have all of the characteristics of a typical gallica rose with no traits present from standard China breeding.
Several references class this as a Hybrid Gallica, which inherently means a Hybrid Gallica-China. However, we removed the Hybrid China class, in order not to create confusion.
This author cites Laffay as the breeder. Pearson's Encyclopedia of Roses, (1956) pg. 172
Cardinal de Richelieu (R. gallica hybrid) Rich velvety-purple blooms, large and with plenty of petals. Fragrant. Makes a strong, bushy plant. (Laffay, 1840.)
Yes, 20th century authors state Laffay 1840, however, the earliest references from the 19th century attribute it to Parmentier. François Joyaux in "La Rose de France" also has Parmentier as the breeder. We have added this reference with the explanation of the error.
'Cardinal de Richelieu' is NOT strongly fragrant. It is one of the least fragrant of old roses. You might also mention that it is triploid, which suggests that it is a cross between a China rose and a European rose, though it has several other characteristics which point to China blood (including the brilliance of the flowers' colour, the shape of the prickles, and the small, shiny leaves).
