Comtesse du Cayla

class: Hybrid China
breeding: Guillot, 1902
photographed by Daphne Filiberti in her garden

'Comtesse du Cayla' is a rose, raised by Pierre Guillot in 1902, that looks like fine hand painted silk. The rose can tolerate some shade, which seems to bring out the glowing beauty of her colors. The young shoots are a plum purple, which complements the golden and coppery sheen to the rose's coral or salmon pink colors. The plants are a beautiful and a natural companion to 'Mutabilis' which shares some of the same colors. Some of the Hybrid Musks like 'Cornelia' and 'Felicia' also pair together well with 'Comtesse du Cayla'. These Hybrid Musks have a grace and free flowing ease, possibly a bit of an angular habit, that seems to work well with Chinas of complimentary coloring. 'Comtesse du Cayla' has fine features. The leaves, thorns, and stems, are elegant. The scent is softly reminiscent of sweet peas, maybe tea. The scent of Hybrid Musks, saturates the border, and ties it all together. My plants are about four feet tall and look nice in groups. They are healthy and easily maintained. Click here to see a marble bust of the Comtesse du Cayla by Houdon with an interesting commentary. (click on to the thumbnail to go to a page with information in both English and French)