Rosa Alexandre Girault

Rosa 'Alexandre Girault' is a deep cherry pink hybrid Wichurana rose, known for its large, full petals and strong fruity fragrance. Bred by René Barbier in 1907, this climbing rose grows up to 26 feet tall with a spread of 12 feet, featuring flat blooms that hang loosely in clusters of five to nine petals. Its flowers are deep pink with yellow centers and white petal backs, blooming once annually with occasional later scattered blooms. The plant has dark green, glossy foliage and long, flexible stems, making it an excellent cut flower.

The Barbier nursery, founded by Albert and Eugène Barbier in France, specialized in breeding roses, including 'Alexandre Girault,' created by crossing Rosa lucieae and hybrid tea rose 'Papa Gontier.' This cultivar established the nursery's reputation. The Barbiers introduced the first Wichurana Polyantha rose in 1911 and produced popular roses like 'Albertine' and 'François Juranville.' Despite closing in 1972, their roses remain prominent, with a notable planting at L'Haÿ-les-Roses, blooming every May. The Royal National Rose Society awarded 'Alexandre Girault' the AGM in 2012.