Date Planted: June 2001 The class of rose known as Hybrid Teas originated from crosses between
early Tea roses and Hybrid Perpetuals. The rose generally accepted as the first Hybrid Tea is Guillot's 'La France'. In 1867 it was competitively selected by the Society of Horticulture in Lyon, from
over 1,000 entries, to bear the name. 'La France' was unique at the time, for it bore high-centered Tea blooms atop long, straight stems. Little did the world know that this single rose would have
such an impact on the gardens of future generations. Hybrid Teas have a reputation as finicky garden plants requiring constant spraying in order to thrive. While this
may be true for many, it is definitely not always the case. Many Hybrid Teas are capable of managing just fine with nothing more than basic care and La France has performed very well for me in this respect.
The 4' plant itself is less upright and robust than most modern Hybrid Teas yet is not as lightly built as the true Tea roses, thereby serving as a nice bridge between the two
classes. Wonderfully fragrant, graceful and quite healthy, La France has become one of my favorite roses. The blooms have grown much fuller with maturity, too.
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La France
