How to Grow Louise Odier
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Louise Odier
Rosa 'Louise Odier'
shrubLouise Odier is a classic Bourbon rose renowned for its intensely fragrant, quartered blooms in soft pink with deeper pink edges. This vigorous shrub produces repeat flowers throughout the growing season and has been cherished by gardeners since its introduction in 1851. Its strong fragrance, disease resistance, and romantic flower form make it a favorite for cottage gardens and cutting.
When should you plant Louise Odier in your zone?
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Example Louise Odier timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Louise Odier
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Louise Odier
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Louise Odier dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Louise Odier timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsNewly planted rose with developing root system; sparse foliage and minimal flowering.
Water deeply and regularly. Avoid heavy pruning first year. Mulch around base. Remove first flower buds to encourage root development.
Vegetative Growth
Spring to early summer (8-12 weeks)Strong cane growth with dark green foliage; plant establishes its framework and size.
Prune in early spring to shape plant and remove dead/diseased wood. Fertilize monthly during growing season. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Blooming (First Flush)
5-8 weeksAbundant production of characteristic quartered pink flowers with intense fragrance; buds open over several weeks.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Fertilize weekly with balanced rose fertilizer. Ensure consistent watering. Watch for black spot and powdery mildew.
Summer Rest
4-6 weeksReduced blooming during heat; plant may focus on foliage and consolidation.
Maintain watering during heat waves. Prune lightly if needed. Reduce fertilizer frequency in very hot periods. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Reblooming (Fall Flush)
6-10 weeks until first frostSecond or additional waves of flowers as temperatures cool; flowers often larger and more fragrant than summer blooms.
Resume regular fertilizing. Deadhead to encourage more flowers. Reduce watering slightly as fall arrives. Prepare for dormancy in late fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove and destroy infected plants; control mites with miticide; no cure once infected
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; apply fungicide (sulfur or copper); mulch to prevent spores from splashing
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected growth
Uses
Rose Petals & Fragrance
CulinaryThe intensely fragrant petals can be used to make rose water, rose tea, or garnish desserts and salads. Louise Odier's strong perfume makes it ideal for extracting essential oils or creating homemade fragrances. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRose petals have been used in traditional medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Rose tea may help with digestion and stress relief. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftLouise Odier is prized by florists and home gardeners for exquisite cut flower arrangements, bridal bouquets, and special occasions. Its romantic quartered form and rich fragrance make it a centerpiece flower. [source]
Dried Petals & Potpourri
HouseholdThe petals dry beautifully and retain fragrance for months, making them perfect for potpourri, sachets, and scented crafts. The strong perfume means less additional fragrance oil is needed. [source]
Pollinator Garden Support
WildlifeOpen-faced blooms attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Once petals fall, developing hips provide food for birds in late summer and fall. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when buds are fully colored but not yet wide open for longest vase life. Cut at 45-degree angle above outward-facing bud eye. Remove lower foliage before placing in water. Louise Odier is exceptionally fragrant and highly prized as a cut flower. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For continuous blooms, deadhead spent flowers throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Louise Odier was introduced by the French rose breeder Jacques Touvais in 1851 and is named after the wife of a French industrialist; at 170+ years old, it remains a celebrated heirloom rose variety.
- 🌱 This Bourbon rose is one of the most fragrant varieties ever bred, with a complex perfume profile often described as having notes of myrrh, honey, and damask rose.
- 🌱 Louise Odier is notably disease-resistant compared to many modern hybrid teas, making it popular in organic and old garden rose collections; it was extensively grown before the widespread use of chemical fungicides.
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