La France
Introduced:  1867, Guillot, France
Class:  Hybrid Tea
Zones:  4b-9
Parentage:  Argued About.
Color & Form:  Globed, Pink, 3" - 4"
Size:  3 to 4 feet
Fragrance:  Good, lemon
Of note:  Has the distinction of being the first Hybrid Tea rose.

1867 is an important year in rose history because this date is regarded as the dividing line between Old and Modern roses.  The rose specifically marking this division between old and new is 'La France', the first Hybrid Tea.  There has been some disagreement about what rose actually is the first Hybrid Tea, but 'La France' is generally accepted as holding that designation in rose history. She was bred in 1867 in Lyons, France, by Jean-Baptiste Guillot. Due to some rather lackadaisical record keeping on Guillot's part, it is not exactly clear who the parents are (although, to be fair, Guillot certainly had no idea what a historical plant his introduction would be).  Guillot himself believed 'La France' to be a seedling of a Tea he had introduced earlier, 'Madame Falcot'. 

'La France' has long, pointed buds which yield to globe-shaped pink blooms. The three to four inch flowers have sixty petals. Growth is vigorous on three to four foot plants. Foliage is semi-glossy and may be prone to mildew. Fragrance is good and reminiscent of lemon. Blooms may be smaller or refuse to open in very hot weather.  This very historic rose has the commendable qualities of good health, fragrant flowers, and generous re-bloom.