About the name
Name. 'Sophie Luise' — the German form of the name 'Sophia Luise'. A classic female name in German culture, with no specific person behind it — like an 'emotional' female name (such as Sympathie). Typical of the modern Tantau-marketing varieties of the 2010s.
Breeding. Bred by Rosen Tantau (Uetersen, Germany). Code Tan12662. Bred 2012, introduced 2018. Parentage not disclosed by Tantau.
Significance. STRONG DAMASK FRAGRANCE — a rarity among modern HTs (most modern varieties sacrificed scent for form and resilience). 'Sophie Luise' is Tantau's attempt to bring the 'classic' Damask scent back into the HT class. The old-fashioned quartered form with 41+ petals is rare for HTs (typical of Austin English Roses and Old Garden Roses). The dark red-fuchsia colour, a 'wine with raisins', is a complex palette reminiscent of old Bourbons and Damasks, but in a modern compact bush. A narrow upright habit — ideal for small beds and narrow borders. A modern variety with no international awards (too young for ADR/AARS — only 2018). NOT to be confused with the historic 'Grossherzogin Sophie Louise' — a separate old German variety.