Papi Delbard

Full Description:

After a lifetime devoted to creating remarkable plants, what rose could possibly be worthy of Georges Delbard’s own name? It could not rely on colour alone, nor fragrance alone. It needed experience and vitality, refinement and generosity—the qualities of a mature creation that still carried the enthusiasm of youth.

For the 60th anniversary of the Delbard nurseries, Georges Delbard chose this rose himself at the age of 86. Affectionately named Papi Delbard, it became a living tribute to the founder and to the passion for horticulture passed through generations of the Delbard family.

Its large, very double flowers open in warm shades of ripe apricot, peach, orange and soft pink, with lighter golden tones towards the outer petals. The changing colours resemble a summer sunset climbing gradually across a wall, arch or pergola.

The blooms are so densely filled that they may incline slightly under their own weight, as though bowing graciously to the gardener. Their old-fashioned form gives the rose a romantic character, while abundant repeat flowering keeps the display alive from May until the first frost.

Fragrance is one of Papi Delbard’s greatest achievements. Its intense perfume unfolds like an exotic fruit cocktail, combining grapefruit, apricot and peach with a fresh touch of citronella. Planted near a terrace, entrance or window, it turns ordinary moments outdoors into memorable sensory experiences.

The vigorous, flexible stems reach approximately 2.5–3 metres and are clothed in glossy dark-green foliage with good disease resistance. Trained over a sturdy support, Papi Delbard creates an abundant display worthy of the man whose name it carries.

This is more than a rose dedicated to a famous breeder. It is the signature of a lifetime—a fragrant legacy that continues to climb, flower and inspire in every garden that welcomes it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is this rose called Papi Delbard?
It was named affectionately after Georges Delbard, founder of the renowned French nursery. At the age of 86, he personally selected this variety to carry his name for the company’s 60th anniversary.

What colour are the flowers?
The blooms combine warm apricot, peach, orange and soft pink tones, often becoming lighter and more golden towards the outer petals. The balance of colour changes as each flower opens.

Why do some flowers face slightly downwards?
The blooms are very large and densely filled with petals. Their weight can cause them to incline gently, giving the impression that the flowers are bowing towards the gardener.

What does Papi Delbard smell like?
Its intense fruity fragrance combines grapefruit, apricot and peach with a fresh citronella note. It is one of the variety’s most distinctive qualities.

Where should I plant it to enjoy the fragrance?
Train it near a terrace, entrance, frequently used path or window. Its height allows the fragrance to be appreciated at different levels as the plant matures.

Does Papi Delbard flower repeatedly?
Yes. It produces generous flowering flushes from May until the first frost rather than offering only one seasonal display.

How tall does Papi Delbard grow?
It generally reaches approximately 2.5–3 metres, making it suitable for substantial arches, pergolas, trellises, fences and sunny walls.

Does it need a climbing support?
Yes. Climbing roses do not attach themselves naturally, so the long stems should be secured to a strong permanent support as they develop.

How should I train the stems?
Guide the principal canes horizontally or diagonally whenever possible. This encourages flowering side shoots to form along more of each stem and creates a fuller display.

Is Papi Delbard resistant to disease?
It has good resistance to common rose diseases. Full sun, suitable spacing, good airflow and watering directly at soil level will help preserve its glossy foliage.

Is it suitable for a smaller garden?
Yes, provided there is a suitable vertical structure and enough room to train its mature stems. Growing upwards allows it to create a substantial display while using limited ground space.

Can Papi Delbard be grown in a container?
It can be grown in a very large, deep container with excellent drainage and a strong permanent support. Consistent watering and feeding are particularly important for a container-grown climber.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its vigorous growth, repeat flowering and good disease resistance make it rewarding, provided the gardener can offer full sun, a sturdy support and regular training.

How hardy is Papi Delbard?
Once established in suitable soil, it is hardy to approximately −20°C. Protect the grafting point with soil or mulch in regions experiencing severe winter conditions.

Which plants combine well with Papi Delbard?
Blue clematis, lavender, nepeta and purple salvia contrast beautifully with its warm flowers. Cream roses, white perennials and silver foliage create a softer composition.

What do its awards tell me?
Its Silver Medal from Kortrijk and Certificate of Merit from Orléans recognise its generous flowering, strong perfume, attractive growth and overall garden value.

What makes Papi Delbard truly special?
It combines romantic flowers, changing sunset colours, exceptional fruit fragrance and vigorous climbing growth with a unique history: this was the rose Georges Delbard chose to represent his own horticultural legacy.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
Its appearance depends on the delivery season and natural stage of growth. For examples and explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →.

What should I do after planting?
Plant it beside a sturdy support, water thoroughly and begin guiding the main stems as they grow. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.