Dame de Coeur – hybrid tea rose
Cherry-red blooms on Dame de Coeur bring classic hybrid tea elegance to small British gardens, combining an upright habit and well-proportioned, long-stemmed flowers that are excellent for cutting and front-of-border impact; this own-root plant settles steadily, forming a long-lived, resilient framework that copes well with typical British weather, including periods of humidity and rain, and builds strength gradually over several seasons as roots, then shoots, then full display develop in turn, giving you time to shape it into a balanced specimen or small group in beds, borders, or a large 40–50 litre container near the house.
Usage options
| Target area |
Reasoning |
| Front garden feature rose |
The strong cherry-red, high-centred blooms stand out from the pavement, giving a formal yet welcoming look in a compact space; the upright structure fits typical narrow front beds while own-root growth promises a framework that matures reliably for busy beginners |
| Cutting patch near the house |
Large, solitary flowers on straight stems make this variety ideal for vases; planting a small group allows regular cutting without stripping the display outdoors, while the established root system supports repeat flowering for style-conscious homeowners |
| Small mixed border focal point |
Its dense dark foliage and defined vertical outline give a clear focal point among perennials and cottage favourites; own-root bushes regenerate well from hard pruning, helping you maintain a tidy, legible structure for low-maintenance gardeners |
| Formal rose bed composition |
Consistent flower form and size suit symmetrical layouts; spacing at 60 cm creates a coherent, manageable bed that rewards simple, regular care over many years, ideal when you want a lasting, classic look for traditional rose lovers |
| Large patio container (40–50 L) |
In a generously sized pot with good drainage, the upright habit shows to advantage and flowers are easily enjoyed at eye level; own-root plants adapt well to pot conditions over time, giving a stable, long-term display for townhouse balcony owners |
| Around-the-house side border |
Planted along a sunny wall or path, it offers repeat flushes of bold colour close to daily routes; its structured habit simplifies light annual pruning, keeping access clear and maintenance straightforward for practical family gardeners |
| Small group planting in cottage schemes |
A group of three creates a generous cloud of cherry-red amid looser cottage plants; the shrubs’ ability to anchor themselves and cope with showery, changeable weather supports a reliable display for romantic cottage gardeners |
| Specimen rose in a lawn bay |
Used alone in a small circular bed, the upright, neatly foliaged bush frames its showy blooms and hips, allowing easy access for seasonal care while its long-lived rootstock supports a durable garden feature for long-term planners |
Styling ideas
- Classic-front-border – Line a short front path with Dame de Coeur underplanted with low lavender and catmint for a crisp red-and-blue contrast – ideal for style-conscious homeowners.
- Cottage-trio – Plant three roses in a loose triangle with pink dianthus and airy grasses to soften edges while keeping a clear focal point – suited to romantic cottage gardeners.
- Patio-centrepiece – Use one plant in a 50 litre terracotta pot with trailing thyme and white bacopa to highlight the blooms by the sitting area – perfect for compact urban patios.
- Formal-rose-bed – Arrange in even rows with pale foxgloves behind for height and silver foliage plants in front to frame the cherry-red flowers – for traditional rose enthusiasts.
- Lawn-island – Create a small circular bed in turf with this rose at the centre, edged by dwarf pinks and low box for year-round definition – suited to ordered family gardens.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Hybrid tea rose Dame de Coeur, registered and exhibited under this name; commercial hybrid tea type grown on its own roots in a 2-litre container for garden use. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Louis Lens in Belgium in 1958 from ‘Peace’ × ‘Independence’; introduced by Lens Roses and known for classic exhibition-quality, high-centred cherry-red blooms. |
| Awards and recognition |
Honoured with a Silver Medal at Baden-Baden trials in 1958 and awarded the RNRS Trial Ground Certificate in Great Britain in 1958 for garden and exhibition merit. |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Upright, medium bush reaching about 80–120 cm high and 50–70 cm wide, with moderately thorny stems and dense, slightly glossy dark green foliage forming a defined shrub. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, double, high-centred blooms with 26–39 petals, usually solitary on stems; extra-large flower size in the hybrid tea style, repeating with an abundant second flush. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Vivid cherry-red flowers, darker in cool weather, slightly lighter in strong sun; velvety buds open to rich red, then soften towards pinkish edges before petals finally fade. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Very light, discreet fragrance that is barely perceptible in most conditions; selected more for strong colour and flower form than for pronounced scent in the garden. |
| Hip characteristics |
Produces small, spherical orange-red hips, around 10–14 mm across, in moderate quantities; hips can extend interest into autumn if spent flowers are not removed. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Fully hardy to around -32 to -29 °C (RHS H7, USDA 4b); disease resistance is modest, with particular susceptibility to mildew, so regular monitoring and care are advisable. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil; allow 50–90 cm spacing depending on use, water during dry spells, and use preventative care to manage common fungal diseases. |
Dame de Coeur offers classic cherry-red hybrid tea blooms, an upright, long-lived own-root shrub and reliable cutting stems for years of enjoyment, making it a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking enduring structure and colour.
