Notre Dame du Rosaire

Full description:

There is a quietness to Notre Dame du Rosaire that feels perfectly suited to its name. Not quiet in colour or flowering, but in atmosphere: the soft transition from peach to pink, the old-fashioned rosettes and the way several stages of bloom gather together on the same shrub create a garden scene that feels gentle and contemplative.

Its name means “Our Lady of the Rosary”, a title traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary. Rather than turning that connection into ornament, the rose seems to express it through softness: rounded flowers, harmonious colours and a changing palette that becomes more delicate as each bloom ages.

Created by Dominique Massad for the historic French house Guillot, Notre Dame du Rosaire belongs to the Générosa® family of roses. Its very double flowers contain more than 40 petals arranged into nostalgic rosettes approximately 7–10 cm across.

Colour is one of its most beautiful qualities. The buds begin in deeper peach-pink tones with touches of cream. As the flowers unfold, peach and warm pink become more prominent before gradually fading towards pale pink with lingering apricot nuances. Because flowers open at different times, several of these shades can appear together on one plant.

The flowers are produced in clusters and repeat well, with a particularly generous second flush after the first main flowering. Dense, glossy green foliage creates a polished background for the softer colours above it.

The shrub develops a bushy, compact habit of approximately 65–95 cm high and 50–70 cm wide. This makes it easy to use in a border or rose bed, while its manageable dimensions also allow it to become a beautiful specimen rose or to grow in a generous container.

Notre Dame du Rosaire does not depend on one dramatic moment for its charm. Its beauty lies in watching it change—from rich peach buds to romantic pink rosettes and finally to softer pastel flowers, with new blooms arriving to begin the transformation all over again.

Frequently asked questions:

What does Notre Dame du Rosaire mean?
The French name means “Our Lady of the Rosary”, a traditional title for the Virgin Mary. The rose's soft colouring and romantic character make the name particularly evocative.

What colour are Notre Dame du Rosaire's flowers?
The colour changes as the flowers mature. Buds begin in deeper peach-pink tones with creamy touches, then open into warm peach and pink before gradually becoming softer and paler.

Do all the flowers look the same?
No, and this is part of the variety's appeal. Because flowers at different stages can appear together, one shrub may carry richer peach blooms alongside warm pink and much paler flowers.

What shape are the flowers?
The flowers are very double and open into nostalgic rosettes, giving them the romantic appearance associated with old-fashioned garden roses.

How large are the flowers?
Individual blooms generally measure approximately 7–10 cm across and contain more than 40 petals.

Are the flowers produced individually or in clusters?
They are generally carried in clusters, creating a fuller flowering display and allowing several colour stages to appear together.

Is Notre Dame du Rosaire fragrant?
Yes. The variety is fragrant, with fresh citrus character adding another dimension to its romantic flowers.

Does Notre Dame du Rosaire repeat flower?
Yes. It repeat flowers well and is known for producing an abundant second flush, extending its decorative value beyond the first main flowering.

How tall does Notre Dame du Rosaire grow?
It generally reaches approximately 65–95 cm, depending on climate and growing conditions.

How wide does the plant become?
Expect approximately 50–70 cm at maturity, giving it a compact but well-filled shrub shape.

Is Notre Dame du Rosaire suitable for a smaller garden?
Yes. Its moderate dimensions make it easier to accommodate than a large shrub rose while still providing a generous flowering display.

Can Notre Dame du Rosaire be grown in a container?
Yes. Its compact growth makes it suitable for a large, deep container with excellent drainage. Container-grown roses require consistent watering and regular feeding during active growth.

Where should I plant Notre Dame du Rosaire?
Choose a sunny position where its changing flower colours can be appreciated. It works beautifully in rose beds, romantic borders, near paths or as an individual specimen.

Does Notre Dame du Rosaire need deadheading?
Deadheading is worthwhile. Some spent flowers can remain on the shrub, so removing faded blooms helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages the plant through its repeat-flowering cycle.

Is Notre Dame du Rosaire suitable for cut flowers?
Yes. Its romantic rosette form and changing peach-pink colouring make it an attractive choice for informal garden bouquets.

Which plants combine well with Notre Dame du Rosaire?
Lavender, nepeta, blue salvia, white perennials and silver foliage complement its peach-pink palette beautifully. Burgundy foliage can provide a richer, more dramatic contrast.

What makes Notre Dame du Rosaire different from other peach roses?
Its attraction comes from movement in the colour rather than one fixed shade: deeper peach-pink buds gradually become softer pink rosettes, while clustered flowering allows several stages to be seen together.

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 in a sunny position, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while its roots establish. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.