Cardinal de Richelieu

Description

At least one authority has suggested this is a cross between a Gallica and a China, placing it with the Hybrid Chinas. This is borne out by the fact that it appears to perform better in warm climates than most Gallicas. It is memorable for the depth of purple in the blooms. The reverse is near white, producing a lovely and dramatic effect. On its own roots it may be pruned to remain a modest shrub, but in warm climates it may be grown as an eight foot climber.

Introduced in 1845.