My dear Zéphirine, why?

amancalledgeorge

I'm utterly stumped why my newly planted Zéphirine Drouhin rose has near to no scent. It's a variety that is known for being fragrant...the blooms look wonderful but not having a strong smell is disappointing. Any idea what could the issue be? Can I attribute it to the intense heat or the youth of the plant?

ju1i3

Maybe it was mislabelled?

amancalledgeorge

It passed my mind...but it does look correct. It was bought cheaply as a bare root @ju1i3 so can't get too worked up if it proves perfumeless...but thought I'd ask if anyone had a similar experience.

oooft

amancalledgeorge said:

It passed my mind...but it does look correct. It was bought cheaply as a bare root @ju1i3 so can't get too worked up if it proves perfumeless...but thought I'd ask if anyone had a similar experience.

I also planted one of these as bare root stock last winter and have not noticed a scent on it at any time of the day or night. I am hoping it's just that it is young and small and may develop scent in time

amancalledgeorge

There was a faint smell in the evening but nothing like I'd expect @philippa smith2 let's see how it develops, it's beautiful and vigorous...let's see what happens.

amancalledgeorge

Good to know @oooft wonder if they will become more fragrant with maturity.  

Joy*

I take it that it's thornless?

Marlorena

...you have the correct rose, this is very common and nothing to be alarmed about... at this time of year lots of roses lose their scent, during July and August... my ZD which I've had for 5 years or so, is scentless right now... yet if you smelt the same rose at the end of May, … lots of scent...   some roses smell better during cooler temps in late Spring and Autumn... others need heat... and others still,... it's always there...

amancalledgeorge

Thanks @Marlorena glad to hear that. Do love the colour and growth habit of ZD. It took me too long to plant in the ground, which probably must have stressed the plant a little bit. Both of them look happy and now the challenge of training them on the fence begins. 

PeggyTX

It's absolutely lovely and so healthy, too.  Sad about lack of scent, but I could love that one in my garden for looks alone. 

amancalledgeorge

Had another sniff tonight and one of the other blooms indeed has a wonderful scent...maybe it was the mad weather we've had. It's lovely @Peggy in Texas and being thornless makes it even nicer.