If I recall correctly, because it wasn't a planned cross, I think I simply picked the biggest ripest-looking hip at the time and I'm wondering if a robust hip also means well-developed seed casings that are hard for moisture to penetrate. My notes tell me I put the hip in the fridge for a month before planting. I've read somewhere that some of the better roses in general are those that take the longest to germinate, although I don't know if that's true. an interesting thing about 'Mme. Lambard' is that although it isn't particularly fragrant quite a few of its offspring Teas are, so perhaps it can transmit good fragrance easily. Margaret, did any of your seedlings have a very good fragrance?

Mine did come as 'Freiherr von Marschall', by the way.