Velvet Fragrance

Where to plant. A classic hybrid tea for a fragrant accent, by a bench, a path or an entrance, where the scent can be appreciated up close. The bush is somewhat leggy at the base, so the front should be screened with lower perennials with silver foliage (lamb's ear, Stachys byzantina, or wormwood) or cool blue spikes (catmint (Nepeta), salvia), which set off the deep crimson-red and hide the bare stems. Full sun.

Climate. USDA 5b–10b (RHS H6, about −20…−15 °C). In Ukraine: in the Forest-Steppe and Steppe with light cover, further north with full cover. The variety does not like overly hot climates, so in the hottest regions afternoon shade is better.

Care. Remontant, flowering in flushes from summer to autumn. Regular removal of spent blooms stimulates the next flushes. Moderate resistance to spotting and mildew needs attention in wet years, while it is resistant to botrytis and rust.

Name. 'Velvet Fragrance', meaning 'velvet scent'. The name directly combines the variety's two main features: its velvety texture and depth of dark red petals, and its very strong sweet damask fragrance. The French synonym Velours Parfumé means the same, 'perfumed velvet'.

Breeding. Bred by Gareth Fryer at Fryer's Roses (UK), introduced in 1984. Code FRYperdee. Parentage: Deep Secret × Fragrant Cloud. Both parents are themselves noted for a powerful fragrance, so the very strong scent of Velvet Fragrance is a direct inheritance from this pair.

Significance. One of the most fragrant dark red hybrid teas. Its main recognition is the RNRS Edland Fragrance Medal of the Royal National Rose Society in 1987, the leading British award specifically for fragrance. It also received an RNRS trial ground certificate in the same year and a fragrance award at Baden-Baden in 1989. The variety is valued above all as a 'rose perfume' for the garden.