Rose De Rescht
Thinking of planting roses, why not give the old varieties a try. Our favourite is the Portland Roses. Amongst this group are to be found not only some of the finest of old roses but also some of the most useful.They are all continuous or repeat flowering and of accommodating proportions. 
They can
fulfil a variety of roles from mass bedding to hedging and most do very well in pots or urns etc.
One that does particulary well in Aberdeen is the extremely fragrant Portland Damask (Rose De Rescht) A good bushy plant, with, neat, full flowers of purple-crimson, held well above its ample foliage. Very fragrant with a Good repeating habit which starts off in late June. Not so much giving a continuous show, rather a case of, after the first explosion of blooms the plant takes a short rest, and you are left waiting in anticipation for the next show which will not let you down. In the far south of the UK expect a third flush.
Rose De Rescht was first catalogued in the 1840s under another name which I am unable to recall, and was rediscovered in Persia in 1945 by the English gardener Nancy Lindsay.
This Portland Rose is very much disease resistant, and for the newcomer to old style Roses this is the one to get you started off.
Prune in late February by completely cutting out old stems of four years or older, no harm seems to be caused by shortening the stems. perhaps every two years if you feel it necessary.
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Snow is still holding in here in Aberdeen, I cannot ever recall seeing as much as this in November.
Along with blizzard conditions at lunchtime yesterday there was the brightest flash of lightning followed by an almighty loud single clatter of thunder. Talking of Roses today, I have come across a product endorsed by the RHS which if used in accordance with instructions is apparently very beneficial when planting, trees, shrubs and roses. It appears that with the use of this product a second root system grows, creating an altogether healthier plant. What really caught my attention was some rose growers are claiming when planting new roses where old ones have been it is no longer necessary to change the soil if you use a product. , called (rootgrow)
I love old roses and have some in my garden, this one too.
Thanks for the comment and visiting my site Carol.
Hello Alistair, I too love old fashion roses and admit to being a latecomer to growing many. Your Portland Rose is a beauty, as is your photo of the garden above. I have been hearing of your lightning and thunderous snow storm from other bloggers. It does sound bizarre.
I really do enjoy the comments you place on my posts Edith. off to check on Norah.
Dear Alistair, I love the old fashioned roses and this is a particularly beautiful example. Their glorious, cabbagey flowers and, often, heavenly scent makes them worthy of any garden border.If I recall correctly, Nancy was the daughter of the rather more famous Norah Lindsay and became a great friend of Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote fame, a garden which I regard as iconic.
Yes Eliza they are beautiful, definitely worth trying this one.
I’m nuts for old roses and already wondering if the Portland Damask would cooperate with my hot, humid summers. I do have a lot of luck with antique roses, though. Beautiful photos!