Madame Isaac Pereire Rose Bushes

• Variety: Madame Isaac Pereire
• Type: Shrub Rose (Bourbon)
• Colour: Deep magenta-pink
• Fragrance: Very strong, rich old rose and raspberry
• Height: 200cm (6.5ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• Good for: Borders, specimen planting, fragrance, cutting
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Madame Isaac Pereire is a Bourbon rose bred in France in 1881, producing very large, deeply quartered blooms in deep magenta-pink with an extraordinarily powerful fragrance of rich old rose and raspberry. This is one of the most intensely scented roses in existence, and the autumn flowering flush often surpasses the summer display in sheer colour intensity.

Madame Isaac Pereire, the Fragrant Giant of Your Garden

If you are seeking a rose that fills the entire garden with scent, Madame Isaac Pereire demands your attention. Bred by Garçon in France over 140 years ago, this Bourbon rose remains an absolute classic, and for good reason. The blooms are massive and intricately quartered in the old-fashioned style, arranged in deep magenta-pink petals that seem to go on forever. A single flower can reach 12cm across, and when you brush past the plant or lean in to smell it, the fragrance is so rich and complex that it stops you in your tracks. Raspberry, old rose, and a hint of spice combine in a scent that has barely changed since the Victorian era.

This is a tall, vigorous shrub, reaching 200cm in ideal conditions, which means it can be grown as a substantial specimen plant in the border or, with a little training and support, as a semi-climbing rose against a wall or fence. The flowering season is generous: from June through to October, with blooms appearing in repeated flushes. But here is where Madame Isaac Pereire truly excels: the autumn flowers are often richer, more densely packed, and more abundant than anything the plant produces in summer. It is not uncommon for gardeners to find October blooms more impressive than June ones.

Bourbon roses are the aristocrats of the shrub rose world, and Madame Isaac Pereire represents the group at its finest. She needs space, sunshine, and decent soil to perform at her best, but give her those things and she will reward you with decades of flower and fragrance.

Growing Madame Isaac Pereire, the Fragrant Giant

Plant this rose in full sun or partial shade, in well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. She prefers a sheltered spot where her flowers will not be battered by wind, and where air can circulate freely to help prevent fungal problems. In her first year, water regularly during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming. Prune lightly in spring, removing dead wood and shaping the plant; do not cut back too hard, or you will sacrifice flowering growth. If you are training her as a semi-climber, tie in the long canes horizontally or at an angle to encourage lateral shoots and more flowers.

The Autumn Flush that Steals the Show

Many gardeners are surprised to find that Madame Isaac Pereire's best display comes in autumn, when cooler nights and shorter days seem to intensify both the colour depth and the fragrance. The blooms emerge in greater numbers than in summer, and the magenta-pink takes on an almost jewel-like richness. This is when you will want to position yourself in the garden with a cup of tea and just enjoy the abundance.

Companion Plants for Fragrant Roses

Madame Isaac Pereire is a showstopper, but she deserves equally sophisticated companions. Pair her with lavender for complementary fragrance and silvery foliage, or underplant with hardy geraniums to soften the base. Clematis varieties, particularly pale pink or purple ones, can be trained through the rose without overwhelming it. For structural contrast, add alliums in purple or white, and consider nearby plantings of catmint or salvias to echo the colour palette.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

Our roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and grown for us by specialist growers. We have won the Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award and hold the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. Order with confidence and explore our full shrub rose collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Madame Isaac Pereire actually grow?

In ideal conditions with good soil and full sun, this rose reaches 200cm (6.5ft) tall and almost as wide. In less ideal spots, expect 150-180cm. Read our growing guide for best results.

Can I grow Madame Isaac Pereire as a climber?

Yes. She is naturally a tall shrub, but the long, flexible canes can be trained horizontally or at an angle against a wall or sturdy support to encourage lateral flowering shoots. See our climbing rose guide for techniques.

When is the best time to smell the flowers?

Early morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot, or in the cool of evening. Autumn flowers are often more fragrant than summer ones. The fragrance is intensely powerful year-round.

Does Madame Isaac Pereire need special pruning?

Prune lightly in spring to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Avoid hard pruning, which removes flowering growth. For specific techniques, consult our pruning guide for shrub roses.

How often does she repeat-flower?

From June through October with regular flushes of bloom, usually every 4-6 weeks if deadheaded promptly. The autumn flush is often the strongest display of the entire season.