Cécile Brünner
Introduced:   1881, Pernet-Ducher, France
Class:  Polyantha
Zones:  4-9
Parentage:  Unidentified Polyantha x  'Mme de Tartas'
Flowers:  Light pink; very small, exquisite blooms
Size:  4 feet (warm climates) 2 to 3 feet (cold climates)
Fragrance:  Delicate, spicy
Of note:  Charming, diminutive blossoms.

Also known as the 'Sweetheart Rose' (and 'Mignon' and 'Maltese Rose'), 'Cécile Brünner' is a rose whose appeal lies in delicate grace.  Small, yet perfectly formed, blooms are produced in sprays upon a shrub with light green foliage.  Disease resistance is good.  Although blackspot may appear on occasion, 'Cécile Brünner' is more than resilient enough to shrug off this malady.  Further, it will survive, even prosper, in less than ideal growing conditions.  Due to its gentle form and soft pink flowers, 'Cécile Brünner' will fit into most garden situations, but it is truly exceptional in the perennial or mixed border.

A climbing sport was introduced in 1894, and it is outstanding in its own right.  Growing to twenty feet, 'Climbing Cécile Brünner' combines delicate flowers with vigorous growth habit.

Polyantha Roses
The original Polyantha roses were the result of a cross between Rosa multiflora and a pink China rose.  Originated by Guillot in Lyon, France, Polyanthas received their habit of producing flowers in clusters from parent Rosa multiflora, while their China lineage provided for excellent repeat bloom on shrubs of compact, attractive form.  French breeders worked to further develop Polyanthas into shrubs justifiably famous for providing masses of blooms over a long season. 

An important link in the history of roses, Polyanthas were crossed with Hybrid Teas (originally by the famous Danish breeders Dines and Svend Poulson) to create one of our most valuable classes of roses, the Floribundas.