I'm wondering if this might be 'Souvenir de Maria de Zayas' (Soupert & Notting, 1905). There are a few good photographs in that file for comparison. SdMdZ made the 'Argus Twelve' list so would have gained a degree of popularity. I thought it might be worth looking into for those who grow BL Speragina. The references to SdMdZ's fragrance are contradictory. Not sure about the references to veining. Also, if Amelia Anderson is W R Smith and Muriel Linton is Hadley, SdMdZ would also fall into that same general time period.
Edit: I found a reference to 'Souvenir de Maria de Zayas' having a "Parma violet" scent. I don't know how that matches up with 'BL Speragina'.
From what I saw of this rose, it appeared to be hybrid tea, and not tea. One of Margaret's photos also confirmed it might be HT. Other opinions sought?
I am sure my tiny plant is dead. But I do remember the strong colour of the few blooms I saw. I wonder if this could be 'Dame Edith Helen'? If so, I am sure we will run across this one in one of the Heritage Roses in Australia October 5-8 Brisbane conference gardens. It was so popular in Queensland years ago that it was not allowed to be exhibited with other roses because the other roses never stood a chance. It had to be exhibited in a special class, just for 'Dame Edith Helen' roses. The only thing that worries me with this proposal, is that surely David Ruston would have known and recognised 'Dame Edith Helen'. However, finding out if 'Dame Edith Helen' sets hips would certainly help, one way or another.
Re the spelling of "Bishop's Lodge Sperigena" . All the spellings that I have seen have been "Bishop's Lodge Speragina".
1996. Heritage Roses in Australia Inc. journal. Vol 18, No. 4 p19 Teas. Speragina. A very dark pink Tea. In spring and autumn the blooms are full and quartered but summer blooms are generally more open, very recurrent. Most Tea roses have fewer petals and often a different colour in summer heat. This rose grows in company with asparagus – ‘sperage’ in old England, where the feathery-brush sprays of wild asparagus were used to “asperge” or purify the congregation.
1996. Heritage Roses in Australia Inc. journal. Vol 25, No. 1 p7 Peter Cox. BL Speragina. Deep pink, quartered and recurrent. Fragrant.
1999. Dianne Ackland “The Australian Rose Directory” 3rd Edition 1999 p95 Speragina. Unknown. Found at the Bishop’s Lodge, Hay, Tea. Deep pink. (Available from) Cottage, Melville.
2003. Heritage Roses in Australia. 7th National Conference, Hay, NSW. Proceedings. p46 Brenda Weir. (deceased) (written March, 1992). B.L. Speragina (Rose 4) a very dark pink rose. In spring and autumn the blooms are full and quartered while summer blooms are generally more open. This is a low bush growing close to Rose 5 although it appears to be gaining in height. It is a recurrent flowerer.
2003. Ruston’s Roses – Rose Collection 2003-2004 88 Speragina., Tea. Dark pink. Ex Bishops Lodge Hay.
