Alba maxima (The ‘Jacobite’ Rose. White rose of York) Very old. Probably a sport of Alba semi-plena. Strong growing shrub with lead grey foliage and a mass of creamy white fully double fragrant flowers. 6ft by 5ft. Summer flowering.

Alba semi-plena – Pre 16th century or earlier. Very fragrant pure white semi-double flowers grey green leaves and good Autumn fruit. Does well as an informal hedge or a lax shrub. 8ft by 5ft.

Great Maiden’s Blush – Pre 15th Century. Very fragrant double blush pink flowers. Blue grey leaves. 6ft by 5ft.

Felicite Parmentier- 1834. Fully double blooms in clusters of palest pink fading to white. The flowers form balls as the outer petals reflex with age. Good bushy growth. Summer flowering. 4ft by 4ft.

Madame Plantier – 1835. Masses of very double milky white blooms open from red tinged buds. Makes a large shrub or can be trained up as a climber. Wonderful perfume. Summer flowering. 6ft by 6ft

Queen of Denmark – 1826. Quartered, bright pink blooms borne on a tall elegant shrub with pale greyish green leaves. Rich Alba fragrance. 5ft by 4ft.