Cécile Brünner

Where to plant. In classic cottage gardens with a nineteenth-century feel; in Old Garden Roses collections; the climbing form on a wall or pergola (up to 6 m!); beside a bench for its delicate tea scent; under trees — tolerates partial shade; as the foreground of a mixed border.

Climate. Central and southern Ukraine, no cover needed (USDA 5b-9, to -26 °C); light cover in the north; tolerates partial shade.

Care. Minimal: sun or light shade; moderate prevention; feed 2× per season; prune weak shoots in spring.

Name. 'Cécile Brünner' — named after the daughter of the Swiss rose grower Ulrich Brünner from Lausanne. A personal dedication from the French breeder to the Swiss family of her colleague. The synonym 'Sweetheart Rose' = 'the beloved's rose' — by tradition in the XIX-XX centuries, a single small Cécile Brünner bloom was worn in a buttonhole on the lapel as a sign of love. Other synonyms: Mignon ('small, dear'), Malteser Rose / The Maltese Rose.

Breeding. Bred by Marie Veuve Ducher (France, Lyon) — the last and most outstanding work of this breeder. Marie Ducher was the widow (veuve, in French) of Jean-Claude Ducher; she continued the family business after his death. Cécile Brünner was introduced commercially after Marie's death by her son-in-law Joseph Pernet-Ducher (the same man who later created 'Soleil d'Or' in 1900 — the mother of all yellow roses!). Introduced 1881. Parentage: Rosa multiflora × Hybrid Tea ('Souvenir d'un Ami' or 'Madame de Tartas').

Significance. WFRS OLD ROSE HALL OF FAME 1988 — the first class, together with Old Blush, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Gloire de Dijon, Gruss an Teplitz. 'SWEETHEART ROSE' — a cultural phenomenon of the XIX-XX centuries: lovers traditionally wore a Cécile Brünner bloom in a buttonhole. A unique form — 'a perfect HT in miniature' (3-4 cm): a single flower has the full classic HT form in micro format. The 1894 Climbing-sport by Franz P. Hosp (USA) — up to 6 m, a separate popular climber. Marie Ducher – Pernet-Ducher – Soleil d'Or – the entire modern yellow pigment — a genealogical link to the most revolutionary variety of all time. Almost thornless — an important trait for cutting for buttonholes. Tolerates partial shade — a rarity among roses. 145+ years in cultivation without interruption. WFRS HoF year — 1988 (year of the award), not 1881 (year of introduction).