This rose is also mentioned in Johannes Wesselhöft's book "Der Rosenfreund". Third edition, Weimar 1873, page 162.

"Arthur Sansal, flowers blackish crimson with violet velvet and flamy sheen, very large, densely full and completely well formed; blooming very grateful. applicable as a pyramid- or pillarrose; often freezing back in winter, therefore needs a good, dry coverage."

I am gardening in Central Texas, USA.

I have had Arthur de Sansal potted on its own roots for about 18 months now. It took a while to get going, but it has reached about 4 feet in height and 2.5 in width. It's upright habit makes it a simple shrub to fit into the garden. While it was small it was prone to fungal disease, but now that it has found its legs I've not had any problems with fungus. We'll have to see how it fares in the spring rains - it will probably require some attention at that time. The color, fragrance, quick repeat, and floriferousness all conspire to make this a wonderful garden plant worthy of addtional study.

As young as my plant is, it set hips late in the season. Obviously it is capable for setting seed, but we'll have to wait until next year to see how particular it about doing so. I've not really looked for pollen - but given the density of the petals I assume it will be hard to find.