Josephine Bruce

Where to plant. The bush is spreading and sprawling (not compact) and very prickly, so it needs more room; choose a spot away from paths. No support needed. Its strong damask scent and very large dark red flowers make it a good specimen plant or a group member among dark red Hybrid Teas.

Climate. USDA 7b+, RHS H6 (roughly −20…−15 °C). In Ukraine it needs winter protection.

Care. The main problem is a tendency to powdery mildew late in the season (all sources note this); spot and rust are also possible. It needs a sunny, airy site and preventive spraying. Repeat flowering, in flushes from June to September.

Name. The variety is named after Josephine Bruce; no biographical details about her have survived.

Breeding. Bred by A.J. Fraser, introduced by Bees Ltd (Great Britain), around 1949–1952 (per HelpMeFind: 1950). Parentage: Crimson Glory × Madge Whipp. Protected by patent PP1294. It has no breeder's code name. A climbing sport, 'Climbing Josephine Bruce', exists; here the original bush form is described.

Significance. One of the classic dark red Hybrid Teas of the mid-twentieth century: valued for very large velvety dark red flowers with golden stamens and a strong classic damask scent. Its kinship with Crimson Glory (its father) places it in a direct line of legendary fragrant crimson roses, alongside Papa Meilland, Mister Lincoln and Barkarole. Its main fault, which made it lose ground to newer varieties, is its tendency to powdery mildew.