Alba Semiplena is indeed a wonderful rose. I visited many countries in Europe in spring 2002 and was in Bulgaria too. In those foggy and cold valleys they grow innumerable Albas and Damasks, and that tradition lasts for centuries. But not in Bulgaria only; in Romania too. I didn't have a chance to see how they produce attar, but was able to buy some rose oil in Istanbul; incredibly fragrant and potent and it's not very expensive at all.

They grow lots of Damasks in Turkey too, together with Albas and some species roses. You can buy potpourri in any colour almost, sprinkled with rose perfume.

The story of Alba Semiplena doesn't start with the Rose of York. And it doesn't end there. It's an old rose, found on paintings of Botticelli, Durer and other masters. There are frescoes of Giotto that depict scenes with some white (rose?) flowers that resemble to Semiplena. But Giotto didn't enjoy those luscious details like Boticelli in his art, so we cannot say what's on his frescoes. But there's one particularly beautiful watercolour of Semiplena with wild berries made by Durer.

Also, in and around many sacred places in Europe (Lourdes, Fatima) it grows in abundance and in the spring, churches are decorated with flowers. There are also many local stories that say more about mystical appearances of Mary; often, it is said in Fatima, her appearance is preceeded by a shower of heavenly silence and fragrant white rose petals are falling from the sky. Many times I was wondering .. fragrant rose petals .. of which white rose? Semiplena?

Who knows. In Lourdes, it is known by remarks of pope Pius XII, when Mary appeared (it was February) in front of her was some rose bush growing, and althought it was winter still, it bloomed in magnificient way. It is said that was a speckled rose. Bicolour? We have more clue now, but it's still hard to say which rose was that. And then again, during some appearances in Lourdes, a shower of white rose petals came from above. Semiplena?

Well ... I leave that to you. Old roses, and especially Albas, have some special place in the history of human race and for those and many other reasons I'm looking for it; to grow and adore it. Franny, I believe Albas are ok for growing in Oz because they bloom before hot days come, so you can enjoy their heavenly perfume, and if they're planted in semishade, they'll be just fine. Go for it! I love it, you love it, and David Austin (you can read that intimate statement in his new book) devoted whole new group of his roses to Albas; The Alba Group. He loves them. I believe in those misty valleys of Shropshire he's growing dozens of new Alba hybrids and crosses them with his favourites to introduce something completely new and beautiful.

He admits, he's after some new, wonderful white roses. Whites that are beautiful and oldfashioned, healthy and incredibly fragrant. Those are the rarest roses today anyway.

- Tom

Telephone 08 8389 7795

I am tempted to have a go. Must find a shady spot first though.

Please send us a pic of semiplena when you finally grow it as I am sure you will.