DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE – pale pink climbing rose - Schmitz
If You would like a romantically fragrant climbing rose that still fits an average family garden, DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE offers abundant pale‑pink rosettes on a bushy framework that can be trained on arches, fences or pergolas. Its strong, sweet, fruity fragrance is noticeable from a distance, turning everyday paths into sensory moments whenever You step outside. As an own‑root pharmaROSA® ORIGINAL rose, it is grown for a long garden life: the plant forms its own sturdy base and can regenerate from the rootstock over time, meaning a more stable, balanced display with less replanting. In typical Irish conditions with rain, wind and heavier soils, it rewards careful planting with improved establishment, especially where You can give it good drainage and protection from persistent damp on the foliage, helping it cope better than on exposed, waterlogged sites often found in coastal areas with humidity and salt‑laden air. Over its development arc, it first concentrates on roots in year one, builds stronger flowering shoots in year two, and by year three it usually shows its full ornamental value, draping walls, trellises and cottage‑style entrances in soft, milky‑translucent pink blooms that feel effortlessly romantic once established.
Use cases
| Target area |
Reason |
| Front garden feature climber near the entrance |
Ideal where You want a welcoming focal point that looks impressive but remains compact enough for an average front garden; the bushy climbing habit can be trained up a pillar or porch without overwhelming the house front, suiting beginners |
| Small group of climbers on a sunny house wall |
Best planted as 1–3 plants on a warm, south or west-facing wall where the pale pink rosettes and strong fragrance can be enjoyed from windows and paths; careful siting with decent air movement helps it handle Ireland’s humid, wind‑prone Atlantic climate, reassuring homeowners |
| Cottage-style arch or pergola in a family garden |
Its generous repeat flowering and long canes make it suitable for covering a modest arch or pergola, creating a soft, romantic tunnel of bloom that works beautifully in informal cottage‑inspired gardens, especially for busy |
| Mixed ornamental bed with perennials and grasses |
Can be used as a vertical accent in a mixed bed, combining well with upright grasses and summer perennials; the rose’s pale flowers contrast gently with stronger colours while its own-root vigour supports long-term structure for relaxed hobby |
| Specimen rose trained on a sturdy obelisk |
When planted as a single specimen on an obelisk, DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE gives height without needing a large footprint; placing it in a sunny, well-prepared spot with good air circulation supports steadier growth and easier care for gardeners |
| Romantic seating corner or patio edge |
The strong, sweet, fruity fragrance is perfect beside a seating area, where blooms can be enjoyed at nose level; grow it in open ground or a large 40–50 litre container with quality compost and support, suiting scent‑loving urbanites |
| Trained along a low fence or rail |
Its bushy framework allows You to fan the canes along a low boundary, softening hard edges and offering flowers along the length; with attentive feeding and regular checks for disease, it can become a graceful, long-term feature for families |
| Cut-flower corner in a sunny back garden |
The long, well-formed stems and very double rosette blooms lend themselves to cutting for vases; planting in the best, sunniest, airiest part of the garden and following a steady care routine delivers rewarding flowers for dedicated enthusiasts |
Decorating ideas
- Cottage Archway – Train DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE over a metal or wooden arch, underplanting with bearded irises and feather reed grass for soft movement and height contrast – ideal for lovers of traditional cottage entrances and storybook-style paths
- Fragrant Porch Welcome – Place two plants either side of a sunny doorway, guiding their canes up trellises while edging the base with lavender in large pots to echo the perfume – perfect for homeowners who want a romantic, scented first impression
- Pastel Pergola Retreat – Combine this pale pink climber with white clematis and airy perennials like purple coneflower around a small seating pergola – suited to those seeking a gentle, pastel-toned hideaway for evening relaxation
- Vertical Accent Bed – Use a sturdy obelisk in a mixed border, pairing the rose with ornamental grasses and late-summer perennials to add height and structure – great for gardeners wanting vertical interest without large trees or shrubs
- Cut-Flower Nook – Dedicate a sunny back-corner bed to this climber on a fence line, interplanting with repeat-flowering perennials for constant picking material – attractive for hobby florists who enjoy bringing home-grown bouquets indoors
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter |
Data |
| Name and registration |
Trade name DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE – pale pink climbing rose – Schmitz; large-flowered climber, shrub rose exhibition category; registered cultivar name not published; part of the pharmaROSA ORIGINAL 2-litre own-root range. |
| Origin and breeding |
Bred by Daniel Schmitz in Belgium, breeding year 2011; introduced by Roseraie Daniel Schmitz, Malmedy. Parentage is not recorded, but selection focuses on large, full flowers and strong fragrance in a climbing habit. |
| Growth and structure |
Climbing rose with a bushy, trainable habit; height about 220–380 cm, spread 110–190 cm. Dense, light green, matt foliage; moderately thorny canes. Can be grown as a free-standing shrub or trained as a climber on supports. |
| Flower morphology |
Large, very double rosette blooms with more than 40 petals; single-flowered per stem. Flower size L (approximately 7–10 cm). Remontant, with generous repeat flowering producing a second flush after the main early-summer display. |
| Colour and phenology |
Delicate, milky-translucent pale pink. Buds pastel pink, deepening slightly when opening; full bloom shows even pale pink with a slightly deeper centre, then fades to light creamy pink before petals drop. Colour retention moderate in sun. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, highly fragrant rose with a sweet, fruity character noticeable from afar in still air. Best appreciated near paths, doors or seating. Very double blooms mean the flower is mainly ornamental rather than focused on pollinator support. |
| Rose hip characteristics |
Rose hip set is usually minimal due to the very double bloom form. Where hips do appear, expect occasional ovoid, egg-shaped red hips around 10–14 mm in diameter, offering small decorative accents in late season. |
| Resistance and hardiness |
Hardy to around −21 to −18 °C (RHS H7, USDA 6b, Swedish zone 3). Very susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot and rust, so regular plant protection and good air circulation are required, particularly in damp, mild climates. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Prefers a sunny, open position with fertile, well-drained soil; avoid persistent shade. Maintenance requirement high: consistent feeding, watering in drought, and proactive disease management essential. Recommended spacing 140–250 cm depending on use. |
DÉLICIEUSE GOURMANDISE rewards You with strongly fragrant, abundantly flowering pale pink rosettes and flexible climbing growth, while its own-root form supports a long-lived, regenerating framework; consider it if You would enjoy training a romantic feature rose.
