Hybrid Perpetuals Roses originate from 1835, when the Portland Rose "Rose du Roi" was hybridized with different Bourbons and "China Hybrids" (Gallicas crossed with Chinensis Roses), with the aim of obtaining repeating varieties producing large, scented blooms of perfect shape on long upright stalks. From 1835 to 1920 four thousands of these roses were introduced: nowadays more or less one hundred of them are still in cultivation.
They are plants of ungraceful bearing, but they produce exceptional flowers. The underlying problem was the fact that they were created with Flower Shows in mind, where only cut flowers were to be exhibited: nobody saw the plants. Even today Hybrid Perpetuals are at their best when cut, so that the flower and its perfume are better appreciated.