Alain Souchon

Full Description:

Rose breeders may be the world’s unpublished poets. They write without ink, composing each new work in colour, fragrance and form, and leaving gardeners to read it slowly—line by line and petal by petal.

Alain Souchon is one of those poems that deserves to remain open in the garden all season. Its large cardinal-red flowers contain more than 100 petals, arranged in dense, elegant layers that give every bloom remarkable depth and presence.

Its powerful fragrance combines the classic character of May rose with rich red-fruit notes, creating a generous perfume that deserves to be enjoyed at close range.

Flowering begins in spring and continues generously until the first frost, helping Alain Souchon retain colour and interest throughout the season.

The plant forms a compact, well-balanced Hybrid Tea rose approximately 90–100 cm tall and about 50 cm wide. Its dense dark-green foliage and excellent disease resistance support a neat, reliable garden presence.

Its strong stems and large 13 cm blooms make Alain Souchon particularly valuable for cutting. In a vase, the flowers preserve their colour, form and fragrance for approximately five to seven days, allowing part of this living poem to be enjoyed indoors.

Recognised in seven international rose competitions across Europe, South America and Asia, Alain Souchon is a rose for the gardener’s permanent collection: memorable in colour, generous in flowering and impossible to read only once.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What colour are Alain Souchon’s flowers?
The flowers are a rich cardinal red. Their densely layered petals give the colour exceptional depth, particularly when the blooms are viewed at close range.

How full are the flowers?
Each bloom contains more than 100 petals, creating a very full flower with an opulent, romantic appearance.

How large are the flowers?
The blooms measure approximately 13 cm, making Alain Souchon a substantial large-flowered Hybrid Tea rose.

What does Alain Souchon smell like?
Its powerful fragrance combines the character of May rose with rich red-fruit notes.

Does Alain Souchon flower repeatedly?
Yes. It flowers abundantly from spring until the first frost.

How tall does Alain Souchon grow?
It generally reaches approximately 90–100 cm, forming an upright shrub suitable for rose beds, borders and individual planting.

Is Alain Souchon resistant to disease?
It has excellent resistance to common rose diseases. Good air circulation and watering at soil level will help maintain healthy foliage.

Where should I plant Alain Souchon?
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. Planting it near a terrace, doorway or path allows its complex fragrance to be appreciated regularly.

Can Alain Souchon be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a large, deep container with good drainage and provide regular watering and feeding throughout the growing season.

Is it suitable for cut flowers?
Yes. Its large blooms, strong stems, cardinal-red colouring and intense perfume make it particularly suitable for bouquets and floral arrangements.

How long do the cut flowers last?
The blooms generally remain attractive for approximately five to seven days in a vase. Cut them as the buds begin to open and place them promptly in clean water.

Is Alain Souchon suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its abundant repeat flowering and excellent disease resistance make it a rewarding choice when given suitable soil and regular basic care.

Which plants combine well with Alain Souchon?
White roses, pale pink perennials, lavender, nepeta and silver foliage provide an elegant contrast to its cardinal-red flowers.

What makes Alain Souchon different from other red roses?
It combines exceptionally full flowers of more than 100 petals with a powerful May-rose and red-fruit fragrance, abundant repeat flowering and excellent disease resistance.

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 full sun or partial shade, water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish. For detailed instructions, visit our complete planting guide →.