Gloire de Dijon

Where to plant. On a warm south-facing wall — the typical Victorian position; on a tall arch or pergola; beside a bench, because of the strong tea scent; in a 'Victorian' corner with a historical theme; in Old Garden Roses collections; not on north walls — it needs warmth.

Climate. USDA 6b — South Ukraine without cover, Centre with cover; in the north only on warm, sheltered walls.

Care. Full sun; moderate disease prevention; feed 3× per season; remove weak canes in spring; keep the main framework canes for 3-5 years.

Name. 'Gloire de Dijon' = 'Glory of Dijon' (French). Named after the city of Dijon in Burgundy (France), the home of the Jacotot breeders. A poetic dedication to their home city. Synonyms in other countries: 'Glory of Dijon' (English), 'Old Glory Rose' (folk name in Victorian gardens).

Breeding. Bred by Henri Jacotot fils (son) and Pierre Jacotot père (father) in Dijon (France). Bred before 1849, introduced in 1853. Parentage: probably 'Desprez à Fleur Jaune' × 'Souvenir de la Malmaison' (not documented exactly). Tetraploid. Introduced to Australia in 1858.

Significance. WFRS OLD ROSE HALL OF FAME 1988 — in the first group, together with Cécile Brünner, Old Blush, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Gruss an Teplitz. One of the best-known climbing Tea-Noisette XIX-century roses. A favourite of Victorian gardens — the parent of many later climbing Tea-Noisettes. 177 years in cultivation without a break (1849-2026). A strong classic tea scent — the benchmark of the tea fragrance. Repeat flowering in flushes all season — a rare quality for a Tea-Noisette XIX-century rose. Tetraploidy — a genetic feature. A poetic place-name, a favourite form of dedication among XIX-century French breeders. USDA 6b — limited hardiness: in northern Ukraine only on warm walls. Moderate disease resistance — typical of Tea roses.