A classic white exhibition hybrid tea; RNRS gold medal 1949; prone to mildew.
White exhibition rose
Gold medal of the Royal National Rose Society
USDA zone 7b+. Only the far south without cover; elsewhere with winter cover.
Compare reference temperatures
Light: a delicate, classic rose scent.
Low to moderate (≈2.5/5); prone to powdery mildew (confirmed by HMF).
In rain the petals may spot.
Few or no thorns.
Matt, light, sparse.
White to creamy white, with a tall spiral centre; in cool weather a slight pink blush on the outer petals is possible
Astrantia 'Roma'pink-white
Hosta 'Patriot'green foliage
Veronicastrum 'Album'blue-purple
Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls'purple foliageOther pure-white garden varieties, for one snowy mood:
White, green and silver small flowers and foliage — a classic companion palette for white bouquets and 'moon' gardens:
What to know:
Where to plant. Formal beds and cut-flower plantings, exhibition beds, collections of historic varieties; a site with good air circulation.
Climate. USDA 7b and warmer; less cold-hardy. Free of cover only in the far south of Ukraine; in the rest of the regions, winter cover is needed. In rain the petals may spot.
Care. A sunny, WELL-VENTILATED site (mildew prevention!); regular treatments; spring pruning; feeding; watering at the root.
Name. 'Virgo', the Virgin (constellation and zodiac sign), a hint of flawless whiteness.
Breeding. Bred by Charles Mallerin in France in 1947; parents Blanche Mallerin × Neige Parfum. Mallerin was a prolific French breeder and the mentor of Francis Meilland.
Significance. One of the classic white exhibition hybrid teas of the mid-XX century; historically valued, although because of its susceptibility to mildew it has now been partly displaced by newer whites.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −15 °C (USDA zone 7b+). Overwintering depends on the conditions. Only the far south without cover; elsewhere with winter cover.
Repeat-flowering.
60–80 cm tall, 50–60 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 2.5 out of 5. 2.5 / 5; prone to powdery mildew (confirmed); needs attention.
Sun; full sun; in rain the petals may spot.
Light: a delicate, classic rose scent.
