Rosa Alba Maxima – Jacobite rose

A midsummer-flowering alba rose, Rosa x alba Alba Maxima dates back to the 16th century, and is a double form of the White Rose of York, of Wars of the Roses fame; it became the symbol of the Scottish Jacobites. It’s a medium-sized, vigorous, deciduous, old shrub rose with an upright, bushy habit. The divided leaves are grey-green, and there are few thorns. From July, the shrub bears clusters of creamy-white, loosely double flowers with a muddled centre and golden stamens; and a strong, sweet fragrance. This is an exceptionally tough, healthy, long-lived rose, often seen rising out of the grass round deserted cottages. The Jacobite rose holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soil
Position: Flowers best in full sun
Season of interest: Midsummer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  6’6” (6m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m) in 2-5 years