Introduced: 

1925, Archer, UK
Class:  Hybrid Tea
Zones:  4-9
Parentage:  'Ophelia' x 'Kitchener of Khartoum'
Flowers:  Light pink, single
Height:  3 to 4 feet
Fragrance:  Average, clove
Of note:  Elegant, graceful, silver-pink blooms;
good with perennials; easy to grow
good disease resistance (may get a touch of blackspot, but is generally tough) 

As evidence that fitting roses into classes is no guarantee that the plants themselves will fit neatly into our efforts to categorize, 'Dainty Bess' flowers differ mightily from the common perception of a Hybrid Tea; instead of double, high-centered blooms, 'Dainty Bess' makes do with five petals, each a delicate light pink, almost silver. Blooms are freely produced throughout the season. Fragrance is average and smells like clove. Stems are long, and flowering is in clusters.

This is a plant which should be in every garden, especially where perennials are present. Blooms are luminous in early morning and evening, providing a peaceful presence.

'Dainty Bess' was introduced in 1925, and decades later is still available, a testament to quality. While not as old as some Hybrid Teas (La France, the first Hybrid Tea was introduced in 1867), 'Dainty Bess' is surely still one of the best. I waited too long before including this elegant rose in my own garden; do not make the same mistake.

While 'Dainty Bess' may remind one of a species or wild rose, it is a bred Hybrid Tea, with growth similar to that group. Dark, leathery leaves cover upright growth. Disease resistance is good, and Dainty Bess does well in a variety of conditions. She should be considered an easy-care rose. Size is moderate, three to four feet in height and slightly less in spread.

'Dainty Bess' would be an excellent choice as a specimen near paths, in the perennial border, or massed for effect.