Home>Plants>Rose plants>Rose 'Comte De Chambord' (Shrub Rose)

Rose 'Comte De Chambord' (Shrub Rose)

Shrub Rose

Write a Review

£13.99

Size:

3-4 Litre pot

Code: 38258

Availability: 18 item(s)

Quantity:

+ −

Wishlist

At a Glance

Variety: Shrub rose
Size: 3-4 Litre pot
Rose Class: Shrub
Mature Height (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Height

You can expect the height to reach somewhere within this estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the height in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this height.

1.2m
Mature Spread (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Spread

You can expect the plant to spread somewhere within this range estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the spread in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this.

90cm
Flower Colour (?):

What does this mean?

Flower Colour

Flowers come in a vast variety of colours from pure white to almost black. Colour can be affected by a number of factors including environment and diet. Use the photographs as a guide and expect variations.

Pink
Flowering Time (?):

What does this mean?

Flowering Time

A plants development is synchronised with the changing seasons and flowering is one of several changes that occur at the appropriate time of year dependent on the specific plant. While our meteorological seasons are defined by specific dates; there can be two or the weeks difference in the start and end of the horticultural 'season' between the north and south of the UK.

Summer - Autumn
Foliage (?):

What does this mean?

Evergreen

Plants that have leaves all year round are classified as evergreen. They can however lose leaves sporadically throughout the year.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants drop their leaves in autumn, look bare in winter and put out new leaves again in spring. Some plants such a Beech retain their dead leaves until the new spring growth.

Semi-evergreen

There are exceptions, some plant drop their leaves in cold winters but keep them if it is mild. These are classified as Semi-evergreen.

Deciduous
Fragrant (?):

What does this mean?
Fragrant
For plants that are fragrant the level of fragrance may vary, results may improve by planting in larger blocks. The fragrance may come from flowers or foliage.

Yes
Growth Rate (?):

What does this mean?

Growth rate of a plant will determine how fast the plant reaches it ultimate height and is affected by four main factors: temperature, nutrients, light, and water.

Fast
Hardiness (?):

What does this mean?

Fully Hardy

Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (to -15)

Half Hardy

Hardy throughout most of the UK (to -10)

Frost Hardy

Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of UK (to -5)

Fully Hardy
Position (?):

What does this mean?

Full Sun

Six or more full hours of direct sunlight but don't forget to water.

Partial Shade

Two or three hours either in early morning or late evening sun. Very limited exposure to midday sun.

Dense Shade

Usually no more than two hours direct sunlight. Usually under dense trees, shurbs or in shade cast by buildings/fences etc.

Full sun
Soil Moisture (?):

What does this mean?

Well Drained

Well-drained soil allows water to percolate through reasonably quickly without pooling. Well drained soil can often be dry and lack nutrients.

Poorly Drained

Poorly Drained soil is usually saturated periodically during the growing season and remains wet for several days at a time. Saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen.

Moist Well Drained

A moist well drained soil is the best of both worlds by combining high permeability with the ability to retain moisture. Adding well rotted organic matter to dry or wet soil will help improve both these characteristics.

Moist Well-drained, Well-drained
Soil PH (?):

What does this mean?

Acid

Soil with a pH between 1 and 7 is classed as acid, ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons need acid soil.

Neutral

A neutral pH which is around 7, will be suitable for most plants. Clay soils tend to be neutral.

Alkaline

Soil with a pH between 7 and 14 are refereed to as Alkaline. Chalky soil is usually Alkaline.

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type (?):

What does this mean?

Chalk

Chalky or lime-rich soils may be light or heavy, largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline.

Clay

Clay soils are potentially fertile and hold a high proportion of water. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring.

Loam

Loam soils are s mixture of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils. Fertile, well-drained and easily worked.

Sand

Sandy soils have a low clay content, drain quickly, easy to cultivate and work. They can dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients. Often very acidic.

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Rose 'Comte de Chambord' - Shrub Rose

Rose 'Comte de Chambord' is a magnificent Portland rose that has enchanted gardeners since 1860. This exquisite shrub rose is celebrated for its richly fragrant, perfectly quartered blooms in sumptuous shades of pink, combined with an exceptional repeat-flowering habit that keeps the garden colourful from early summer through to autumn. Despite its French aristocratic heritage, this rose is wonderfully suited to everyday gardeners, offering classic old rose charm with a compact, manageable size perfect for smaller gardens.

Flower Characteristics

The blooms of 'Comte de Chambord' are nothing short of spectacular. Each flower measures 8-10 cm across and displays the quintessential old rose form—deeply cupped with densely packed petals arranged in a perfect quartered pattern around a central button eye. The colour is a rich, warm pink with subtle lilac undertones, often described as rose-pink or damask pink, and the petals have a wonderful silky texture.

The fragrance is truly outstanding and is often cited as one of the main reasons to grow this rose. It produces an intense, heady perfume that combines classic damask rose notes with hints of spice and fruit. The scent carries well on the air and is most powerful on warm, still days. These romantic blooms are ideal for cutting and bring their glorious fragrance indoors.

Flowering Period

One of 'Comte de Chambord's' greatest assets is its excellent repeat-flowering performance. As a Portland rose, it was specifically bred for continuous blooming—a rare quality among old roses. Expect a generous first flush in June, followed by steady flowering throughout summer and often an equally impressive autumn display. With regular deadheading, this rose rarely takes a break, making it far more rewarding than many once-flowering heritage varieties.

Growth Habit and Size

'Comte de Chambord' forms a neat, compact, upright shrub that typically reaches 90-120 cm in height with a similar spread of around 90 cm. This modest size makes it particularly valuable for smaller gardens, containers, or the front to middle sections of borders. The growth is dense and well-branched, creating a rounded, bushy shape that looks attractive even when not in bloom. The foliage is light to mid-green with a slightly matte finish, providing a fresh backdrop for the rich pink flowers.

Hardiness and Climate Suitability

This rose is fully hardy in UK conditions, reliably tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°C. It thrives throughout Britain and similar temperate climates, performing particularly well in areas with cool summers. The Portland rose heritage gives it excellent cold tolerance and the ability to flourish in challenging northern gardens where some modern roses struggle.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best flowering and fragrance—a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. 'Comte de Chambord' will tolerate light partial shade but may produce fewer blooms and slightly less intense fragrance.

Soil: This rose prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Enrich heavy clay soils with organic matter and sharp grit to improve drainage, whilst light sandy soils benefit from generous additions of compost or well-rotted manure to increase water retention. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Water: Maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply at the base of the plant rather than from overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Spacing: Allow 75-90 cm between plants to ensure adequate air circulation and room for the mature spread.

Planting and Care

Planting: The optimal planting time for bare-root roses is during dormancy from late autumn through early spring (November-March), though container-grown plants can be planted any time if kept well watered. Dig a hole approximately 45 cm wide and deep, incorporate plenty of organic matter, and position the graft union just below the soil surface.

Feeding: Apply a balanced rose fertiliser in early spring as growth begins, then feed again after the first flush of flowers to support continuous blooming. A spring application of well-rotted manure or garden compost provides slow-release nutrients and improves soil structure.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring (February-March) whilst the plant is still dormant. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, then reduce the remaining healthy growth by about one-third, cutting just above outward-facing buds. This encourages an open, balanced shape with good air circulation. Light deadheading throughout the season promotes continuous flowering.

Mulching: Apply a 5-7 cm layer of organic mulch each spring, keeping it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil fertility.

Disease Resistance

'Comte de Chambord' has moderate disease resistance typical of Portland roses. It can be susceptible to blackspot in humid conditions or if planted in areas with poor air circulation. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear during dry spells. Preventative measures—such as adequate spacing, removing fallen leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring good air flow—significantly reduce disease issues. In particularly wet seasons or if problems develop, an organic fungicide may be beneficial.

Garden Uses

This versatile rose adapts beautifully to various garden situations:

Small gardens: The compact size makes it ideal where space is limited
Containers: Grows successfully in large pots (minimum 45 cm diameter) on patios or terraces
Mixed borders: Combines wonderfully with herbaceous perennials and other shrubs
Rose gardens: Makes an excellent companion to other old roses or modern varieties
Formal gardens: The neat, rounded habit suits structured planting schemes
Cottage gardens: The romantic, old-fashioned blooms are perfect for informal settings
Cutting gardens: The fragrant blooms are exceptional for indoor arrangements
Fragrance gardens: An essential choice for scent-focused planting

Companion Planting

'Comte de Chambord' pairs beautifully with:

Catmint (Nepeta) in purple or blue for complementary colour
Hardy geraniums such as 'Johnson's Blue' for ground cover
Lavender for harmonising fragrance and colour
White foxgloves (Digitalis) for vertical contrast
Silver foliage plants like lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina)
Alliums for structural interest
Penstemon in purple or pink shades
Dianthus for additional fragrance at ground level

Why Choose 'Comte de Chambord'?

This historic rose offers everyday gardeners an unbeatable combination of beauty, fragrance, and practicality. The sumptuous, heavily scented blooms deliver all the romance of old roses, whilst the compact size and excellent repeat-flowering habit make it far more garden-worthy than many heritage varieties. Unlike once-flowering old roses that bloom briefly then fade into the background, 'Comte de Chambord' earns its place with months of continuous colour and fragrance.

The manageable size is particularly appealing for modern gardens where space is at a premium. It's equally at home in a large container on a sunny patio as it is in a traditional border, making it accessible to gardeners without extensive beds. The outstanding fragrance means that even a single plant can perfume an entire seating area on a warm evening.

Whether you're creating a cottage garden, seeking a fragrant rose for a small space, planning a container display, or simply wanting reliable colour and scent throughout summer, 'Comte de Chambord' consistently delivers. With straightforward care and regular deadheading, this distinguished Portland rose will reward you with breathtaking blooms and intoxicating fragrance year after year. It's a true garden treasure that proves you don't need a vast estate to enjoy aristocratic beauty.

Why Buy Roses from Us
How Our Roses are Supplied
Rose Guide & Care
Alternatives
Companions
Reviews

Reasons to Buy Roses from Jacksons Nurseries

(1) ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot

Buy with confidence from the only online rose grower rated ‘Excellent’ 4.9* on Trustpilot. We have been a trusted supplier of roses for 3 generations. We take pride in growing our own roses in the field before potting them up, allowing for meticulous quality control to sale.

Trustpilot Excellent

(2) Best Prices Guaranteed – Direct from the Grower

Save £££s by buying direct from a grower you can trust. We’ve already price checked all of our roses against competitors so you don’t have to. We are so confident we offer the best value, if you find a rose of the same type and grade elsewhere, we’ll beat it by 10%.

Price Promise

(3) 12 Month Plants Guarantee

We offer a 12 month guarantee on every plant that you buy from us that we have classified as Fully Hardy. If a plant you've bought from us fails in the first year, we will either replace it or refund you. See our satisfaction guarantee page for more details and conditions.

Roses 12 Months Plants Guarantee

(4) Third generation family-owned nursery specialising in roses

Jackson’s Nurseries is a 3rd generation family owned business which has been growing roses for over 60 years. Roses have always been our specialty, as you can see from the colourful array of blooms in the background to the old family photo below. Today, we offer over 200 different varieties of floribundas, hybrid teas, patio, shrub and David Austin roses. Our roses are initially grown in the field before being potted up for website dispatch.

Third Generation Rose Growing

(5) Grown at altitude to produce strong, healthy plants

Our North Staffordshire nursery is situated at 250 metres above sea level, producing strong, hardy plants that will thrive in your garden. Our nursery sits on clay, so you can be sure our roses can handle heavy soil too.

Grown at Altitude Healthy Plants

(6) Help & Advice and Aftercare

We are help to help you with any help and advice you need in choosing, planting and growing your roses before, during and after your purchase from us. The help and advice section of our website has extensive information, see below some examples of articles you may find useful:

Help and Advice Aftercare

How our roses are supplied through the seasons

All our roses are cultivated in an open field and are carefully dug up when the weather is optimal, typically in October or November. While other nurseries supply roses bare root, once our field-grown roses have been potted up we supply them freshly potted. This better protects the roots and helps keep them moist in transit, ensuring your roses arrive as healthy as when they left our nursery. So don’t be alarmed if the compost comes away from the roots when you remove them from the pot.

Pointing at Graft of Rose after Removing from Pot

The roses can remain in their pots over the winter, as long as they are properly watered and fed, but it's best to plant them out as soon as possible. If you do plant them straight away make sure the planting mix is prepared first, hold the root close to the top of the hole as you tip the pot upside down and try to keep as much compost as possible from falling away. They will already be pruned, so no additional pruning is needed except for trimming any dead tips. Regular pruning can start in late winter, the year after planting.

Tying up a Climbing Rose

Rose Types

Hybrid Tea Roses (HT)

Hybrid Tea roses are probably the most popular group of roses, available in both bush and standard form they have long flower stems and shapely blooms. Blooms are typically medium to large in size, with many petals which form a distinct central cone.

Floribunda Roses (FL)

Floribunda roses bears its flowers in clusters or trusses, with several blooms open at time in each truss. A popular choice the Floribunda rose group is unrivalled for colour, reliability and longevity as a bedding display however the flower form in generally inferior to the Hybrid Tea.

Patio Roses (PATIO)

Patio roses were introduced in the 1980’s and the group now contains several popular varieties. Generally low-growing roses that were once grouped with the Floribuna group but have now been put in their own group of compact versions. Usually growing about 50cm high they make excellent plants for patio containers or at the front of borders.

Climbing Roses (CLM)

Climbing roses as the name suggests are the perfect choice for covering a wall or screen. Often grouped together with Ramblers, Climbers tend to have stiffer stems, larger flowers but smaller trusses than Ramblers.

Rambling Roses (RAM)

Rambling roses are often grouped with Climbing Roses but the ramblers tend to have a more pliable stems that can be used to run along the soil to use as groundcover or can be used to make weeping standards.

Miniature Roses (MINI)

Miniature roses have increased in popularity in recent years due to their versatility, even grown indoors as temporary pot plants that grow to a maximum height of 40cm. An ideal choice for planting in tubs, edging beds and rockeries.

English Roses (ENG)

Often referred to as Austin or David Austin Roses, English roses are hybrids of old English roses and more modern varieties bread by David Austin to provide the best of both, mixing old rose shapes and scents with more modern colour range, compact habits and repeat flowering.

Diagram of different types of roses

Planting Advice

Roses like a generous root space, so dig a deep hole approximately twice as wide as the current root system, preferably adding composted organic matter to the soil. Never plant into frozen soil – in winter, await a frost-free period. Carefully remove the pot and gently tease the roots apart to spread them around the hole. Position the plant so that the ‘bud point’ (the place where the shoots emerge from, where the cultivated rose was grafted onto the rootstock) is at soil level. Replace the soil, firming it down gently, then water copiously. Ideally, a general purpose fertiliser should be applied to the surrounding soil as a top dressing. We also highly recommend the use of Rose Rootgrow, which provides a friendly fungus that prevents ‘rose replant syndrome’.

Digging Ground for Roses

Buying our Roses

Pot Size

Most of our roses are supplied in a 4 litre pot although this may vary slightly depending on rose variety. If the size of pot differes significatly from 4 litres then we will make this clear somewhere on the product page.

Seasonality

Our roses are grown outdoors and as such are subject to seasonal changes. As we sell potted stock throughout the year your rose may not arrive and look like you expect it to. If you are uncertain how your rose will arrive (especially if buying for a gift) then we suggest you contact us prior to making a purchase.

Freshly Potted

Each year a new batch of roses is potted up ready for the following season. Once potted (usually November/December time) they go on sale as 'Freshly Potted'. If you purchase a freshly potted rose and plant it soon after you will find that when removing the rose from the pot there will be a lot of loose soil as the roots will not have had time to grow and bind the compost.

Rose Raised Ready to be Planted

Pruned/Cut Back

In autumn the majority of our roses have finished flowering and begin to look untidy, at this point we prune them quite hard in preparation for the following season. We continue to sell roses throughout the year, when a rose has been pruned in such a way we will identify it has being so. If you are not sure what to expect then please ask prior to making a purchase. Some garden centres/supermarkets sell stock that has been grown abroad or in poly-tunnels so they look 'picture perfect' out of season, while this is ideal for a gift they are short lived once planted.

Aftercare

Water regularly until established. In spring, apply a specialised rose fertiliser along with manure mulch, taking care to avoid direct contact of the mulch with the stems. In winter remove all branches which are dead, diseased or damaged along with any older stems as necessary to avoid overcrowding at the centre. Cut back new growth by about a quarter and prune side-shoots to within three buds of the main stem to encourage vigour. Prompt removal of ‘dead-heads’ will encourage further flowering.