An old and very fragrant red rose

This very old red rose was transplanted into my garden to save it from a renovators wrecking ball a couple of years ago when the house it was planted next to was demolished. Thankfully it survived and thrived. 

It is a heavily scented rose,  with a fragrance that modern roses, even the scented varieties, don't seem to be able to replicate. The fragrance lasts long after the rose has died so I have been collecting the dried petals for their scent.  

I always wondered whether potpourri, the original potpourri without added chemicals, really was as scented as one imagines. Now I realise that it probably was if they used roses such as these. I also understand the tradition of scattering rose petals at the feet of queens and brides. 

Today I made several little bags for the dried petals with my new old sewing machine (last post). I tucked one bag under the arm of the sewing machine to combat the op-shop odour  that was still clinging to it. It is working a treat.

Perhaps when people become aware that the artificial chemicals used in today's potpourri are toxic there will be more demand for the very old roses again. That will keep breeders busy as they can be difficult to propagate. 

I have often tried growing this rose from cuttings but without success so now I am trying to grow a new plant from a branch while it is still attached to the plant (thank you Gardening Australia for the propagation instructions).