Versigny

Where to plant. Near places to rest, for its 6-note fragrance; in a fragrance corner; as the middle layer of a mixed border; in 'French/Parisian' corners with a historic theme; thanks to its narrow habit, in tight compositions.

Climate. Central and Southern Ukraine without cover (USDA 6b–9b); tolerates summer heat well.

Care. Full sun; needs feeding and leaf disease prevention; feeding 3× per season; pruning ⅓ in spring.

Name. 'Versigny', after the Château de Versigny, a castle in the Oise department near Paris (France). Annual garden meetings of French rose enthusiasts were held there. A poetic tribute to the French garden-aristocratic tradition.

Breeding. Bred by Dominique Massad at Roseraies Pierre Guillot (France). Code MASversi. Bred 1992, introduced 1998. Parentage: 'Graham Thomas' (Austin, WFRS HoF 2009) × 'Davidoff'®; the parentage is disclosed, which is rare for Generosa.

Significance. A UNIQUE 6-note fragrance combination: anise + apricot + peach + citrus + vanilla + almond, one of the most complex fragrance formulas among modern roses. Mother of 'William Christie' (Massad/Guillot 1998); Versigny passed its fragrance genetics on to Christie. The parentage of Graham Thomas (WFRS HoF 2009) makes it a powerful donor parent in the genealogy. The Generosa® Collection is the French equivalent of the Austin English Roses. Salmon-apricot pastel with an orange centre. Correction: bred 1992, introduced 1998 (NOT 1994, as some sources state). No major international awards are documented; Versigny is valued above all for its complex fragrance and its genealogical role as the mother of William Christie.