White Maman Cochet climbing

White Maman Cochet climbing, 1896  

Sport of Maman Cochet climbing

Climbing Tea 

Maman Cochet is royalty, as are all Tea and Noisette roses. They are the Zenith, the Summum of rose flowers.

Once (second half 19th century) they were a status symbol because expensive and exclusive. There were hundreds and today maybe 40 have survived but the good news is they are getting more popular again as young people start to discover their own rose heirlooms, their rose heritage.

The famous Russian writer Tjechov had a fantastic collection of Tea and Noisette roses in his house at Yalta in the Crimea peninsula.

But back to white maman cochet climbing. Extremely sumptuous, big, shiny silky petals opening into big flat tea blooms. The flowers sometimes have a dark pink shade on the outer petals which gives a wonderful effect. Strong tea fragrance!

Teas and Noisette roses HATE PRUNING so just don't. Only remove the dead wood and deadheading is allowed. White Maman can reach 3 meters or more and keeps blooming till first frost. Fantastic against a warm sunny wall. USDA 6b up to 9b

An imperial rose