Many Hybrid Perpetuals have been criticized as not particularly healthy or robust, and Damask Perpetuals do not tend to pass along their rebloom. Most Damasks are also poor seed producers. These traits have led them to be abandoned by most rose breeders. I love old rose fragrances, so was unhappy with that situation, and started various attempts at a Hybrid Perpetual do-over.

While Barbara Worl is not disease resistant in my area, it and Autumn Damask have both been found growing wild nearby, despite decades of neglect. The resulting cross seems to have better blackspot resistance than Barbara Worl, and from the look of the hips, better seed production than any Damask I know of. It's vigorous, putting up a new cane every few weeks, and I'm very happy with its distinctively Portland fragrance. The fifteen-petalled flowers tend to look a little dishevelled, like Gloire des Rosomanes, and odds are against it reblooming, but I hope that both of those traits can be overcome in the next generation.