Papa Gontier

Papa Gontier was bred by Gilbert Nabonnand in 1882 and was, in it's time, a highly popular rose. Hélas, also Papa didn't escape the disinterest of the public which favored the new Hybrid Teas. In Europe Papa Gontier was almost lost, almost extinct but our friends in Australia saved her as they had the right climate for Tea roses. In Australia Hybrid Teas struggle with the heat but the Teas are the real gems there.

In Europe many imposters of Papa appeared during the turn of the century /early 2000 and even today you have to watch out for these imposters. The original Papa Gontier comes from Australia so if you want to get this rose always ask if it's the Australian version.

Papa Gontier was a seedling of the Tea "Prince Wasiltchikoff and was regarded as the most beautiful red Tea rose.

Flowers have large, bright pink with yellow shading petals and are halve full. A good strong fragrance is one of its characteristics. Another important feature to identify Papa are its thorns. It's very thorny. Buds are very long and pointy! Foliage is lush and dark green. The blooms come in small clusters and are appearing non stop from mid Spring till late fall. In warmer climates Papa Gontier can bloom almost all year round. The flowers have the typical nodding head of the Teas, very charming.

Growth is vigorous and lush which means this rose can get big but not in every garden, it's depending on the climate you're in. In more moderate areas Papa can reach 150X150 cm or 5 X 5 feet but in Australia for example it can easily reach 250 X 200 cm or 8 X 6 feet and more...

The rose loves warm temperatures and is very heat and drought resistant. Rain isnt an issue, it can take it. Shade is out of the question just like pruning. Don't prune Teas! Zone 6b to 10b

One of my favorites!