Rose - Madame Alfred Carriere

Common Name:
Rose 'Madame Alfred Carrière'

Description:
Rose 'Madame Alfred Carrière' is a highly esteemed Noisette climbing rose, beloved for its vigorous growth, graceful arching canes, and beautifully scented, creamy white to blush-pink blooms. Introduced in 1879, this heritage rose is known for its early and long flowering season, producing large, loosely double flowers with a soft ruffled texture and a sweet, musky fragrance. It blooms prolifically from late winter or early spring through to late autumn in Melbourne, and is particularly noted for its ability to flower even in semi-shaded areas—making it an excellent choice for south or east-facing walls and fences. 'Madame Alfred Carrière' grows with great energy and minimal thorns, making it easy to train over arches, pergolas, or as a gentle screen. It is hardy, low-maintenance, and well-suited to romantic, cottage, or heritage gardens, thriving in well-drained soil with regular watering and feeding.

Form:
Climber

Mature Size:
Height: 4–6 m
Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerates East/South-facing positions

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
Flowers in Autumn
Early flowering (from late winter in mild areas)

Flower Colour:
Creamy white
Blush pink (on newly opened blooms)

Key Attributes:
Scented flowers
Perennial
Repeat Flowering
Heritage Rose (1879)
Suitable for Espalier
Nearly Thornless
Shade Tolerant (Part Shade)
Suitable for Arches, Pergolas & Fences
Bee Attracting

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. Thorns (if present) may cause physical injury.

Companion Plants:
Clematis (especially violet or blush-toned varieties)
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Salvia nemorosa
Lavender
Penstemon
Geranium (Cranesbill)