Madame Alfred Carriere Rose Bushes

• Variety: Madame Alfred Carrière
• Type: Climbing Rose (Noisette)
• Colour: White flushed pale pink, large loosely double blooms
• Fragrance: Strong — sweet, old rose
• Height: 450cm (15ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade; excellent on north-facing walls
• Support: Needs wires, trellis, or a sturdy pergola
• RHS AGM: Holds the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to blackspot and powdery mildew
• Good for: North-facing walls, pergolas, training into trees, cottage gardens
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Madame Alfred Carrière is a Noisette climbing rose with white blooms flushed pale pink, strong sweet fragrance, and exceptional shade tolerance. This vigorous 450cm (15ft) climber flowers repeatedly from June to October, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Madame Alfred Carrière, the North Wall Rose

If you've been told a climbing rose won't work on your north-facing wall, Madame Alfred Carrière is the answer. Bred in 1879 by Schwartz, this Noisette climber has earned its place in garden history not through flash or novelty, but through sheer reliability in the trickiest corners of the garden. We recommend her more often than any other climbing rose for north-facing aspects, and she never disappoints.

The blooms are beautiful: large, loosely double flowers in white with blushing pale pink edges, opening from June right through to October and repeating reliably throughout the season. The fragrance is strong and authentically old rose — sweet and complex — which fills the air even on overcast days when you need it most. At 450cm (15ft), she's vigorous without being uncontrollable, and her soft colouring suits cottage gardens, Georgian facades, and contemporary screens equally well.

What makes her truly special is her constitution. She copes with shade better than almost any climbing rose we grow, showing good resistance to both blackspot and powdery mildew — the twin villains of damp, sheltered walls. Train her up a north-facing wall, over a pergola in partial shade, or even into the canopy of a sturdy tree: she'll respond with generous flowering and long seasons of colour.

A Historic Rose with Proven Hardiness

Madame Alfred Carrière arrived in European gardens when the rose world was in transition. The Noisette class — born from crossing China roses with musk roses — brought repeat-flowering to climbing roses for the first time. Madame Alfred was one of the triumphs of this breeding programme: a rose that could flower all summer and cope with imperfect conditions. That original virtue hasn't faded. She's equally at home in Victorian cottage gardens and modern designs where structure and long-season interest matter. Her loosely petalled, romantic form appeals to gardeners seeking authenticity and grace rather than the perfect hybrid tea shape.

Companion Plants for Shade-Tolerant Roses

Pair Madame Alfred Carrière with shade-loving partners that won't compete for light or moisture. Clematis varieties flowering at different times extend the season; shade-tolerant perennials like hellebores and hardy geraniums soften the base; and variegated ivy adds year-round foliage interest. For a north wall, focus on foliage and form rather than competing flowers.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries

Our climbing roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown for us by specialist rose growers. Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier and Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award winners. Explore our complete climbing rose collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Madame Alfred Carrière on a north-facing wall?

Yes, it's one of the best climbing roses for north walls. It tolerates shade excellently and resists powdery mildew and blackspot better than most. See our climbing rose guide for site-specific tips.

How tall does Madame Alfred Carrière grow?

This vigorous Noisette reaches 450cm (15ft) in good conditions, making it suitable for tall pergolas, fences, and tree training. Pruning and training influence final height and spread.

When does Madame Alfred Carrière flower?

It flowers from June through to October, with repeat flushes throughout summer and autumn. This long season makes it excellent for continuous colour in the garden.

Does Madame Alfred Carrière need special pruning?

Prune lightly in spring, tying in new growth horizontally to encourage lateral flowering shoots. See our climbing rose pruning guide for detailed techniques.

What is the fragrance like?

The fragrance is strong and sweetly old rose in character — complex, authentic, and noticeable even on grey days. It's one of the most fragrant climbing roses we stock.