Back in January, I updated my spreadsheet of rose nurseries that sell period roses bushes. I was pleased to see that Rogue Valley Roses had Gros Choux d'Hollande (Great Cabbage of Holland) back in stock. Several years ago, I had gotten one specimen of this centifolia rose but, alas it did not survive, and I have been looking to get this rose back in my garden. It is one of the roses mentioned in Gerard.
Not wanting to make the same mistake, I ordered three plants this time. I had asked for them to be sent the week of Feb 19th however, they shipped them the week after I ordered them. They showed up on Feb 7 or 8. Sigh….Why put a requested ship date on your order form if you are not going to honor it?
On the positive side, the weather in February was remarkably warm with no nights below freezing and day time temps in the 60's and 70's. The three plants have been sitting out on my deck in their band pots without issues. I still need to repot them in 1 gallon pots. They are looking nice and starting to leaf out. There are even some flower buds on them! I might be able to get a flower to press!