How to Grow Madame Isaac Pereire
Madame Isaac Pereire
Rosa × damascena 'Madame Isaac Pereire'
shrubMadame Isaac Pereire is a historic Bourbon rose prized for its intensely fragrant, quartered double blooms in deep pink to magenta. This vigorous, lax shrub rose produces continuous flowers throughout the growing season and can be trained as a climber on supports. It is celebrated among heritage rose enthusiasts for its exquisite perfume and romantic old-garden rose form.
When should you plant Madame Isaac Pereire in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Madame Isaac Pereire timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Madame Isaac Pereire
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Madame Isaac Pereire
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Madame Isaac Pereire dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; hardy to zone 5 with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Madame Isaac Pereire grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Madame Isaac Pereire timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNewly planted rose is developing root system; minimal top growth visible
Water deeply and regularly; avoid fertilizing first month; provide shade cloth in intense heat; do not prune heavily
Spring Growth
6-8 weeksVigorous branching with emerging canes; new leaves unfurl in glossy green
Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer; prune out deadwood and crossing canes; watch for early pests
Flowering
8-10 weeks (spring flush), then intermittent until frostLarge, heavily petaled blooms in deep pink emerge on long canes; strong fragrance production
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming; maintain consistent moisture; feed every 4-6 weeks with rose-specific fertilizer
Summer Maintenance
8-12 weeksContinued growth with secondary flushes of blooms; foliage may show stress in extreme heat
Increase watering during heat waves; apply 2-3 inch mulch layer; monitor for spider mites and powdery mildew; prune lightly to shape
Fall & Dormancy
8-12 weeksFlowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage may take on red tones; canes harden off
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; cease deadheading in late fall to allow hips to form; mulch heavily in zones 5-6 before hard freeze
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or neem oil at first sign; water at soil level only
-
Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; prune out infected canes
-
Increase humidity; spray with strong water spray; use miticide or neem oil in severe cases
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use water spray for light infestations
-
Handpick if few; spray with neem oil; apply spinosad for heavy infestations
Uses
Rose Water & Culinary Flavoring
CulinaryMadame Isaac Pereire petals can be used to make fragrant rose water for culinary applications, including desserts, beverages, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The intense perfume makes it valuable for flavoring preserves and infusions. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in herbal medicine to support emotional well-being and as a mild astringent for skin care. Rose petals contain antioxidants and have been traditionally employed in apothecary applications. [source]
Perfumery & Fragrance
HouseholdThe exceptional fragrance has made this rose a favorite for commercial rose oil production, perfume blending, and home fragrance. Both fresh blooms and dried petals contribute powerfully to room scenting. [source]
Dried Flowers & Potpourri
CraftThe double petals dry beautifully and retain fragrance excellently, making it ideal for dried arrangements, tussie-mussies, and long-lasting potpourri blends. Heritage rose enthusiasts treasure it for crafting. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe abundant nectar and pollen attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies to the garden. As a heritage variety, it provides ecological value to pollinator populations. [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 stems are fully hydrated. Cut just above an outward-facing eye (leaf node) at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves before arranging. Flowers are at peak fragrance when fully open. Enjoy blooms fresh or dry for potpourri. Dead-head spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering, but allow some flowers to form hips in fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Madame Isaac Pereire was bred in 1880 by the legendary rose hybridizer Garçon and named after the wife of a prominent French banker; it remains one of the most fragrant roses ever hybridized.
- 🌱 This rose can be trained as a climber reaching 8-12 feet tall on a support structure, making it versatile for garden design despite its shrubby growth habit.
- 🌱 The intensely perfumed blooms have earned it a place in heritage rose collections worldwide and it is still commercially grown for rose oil and cut flower production.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Madame Isaac Pereire planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Madame Isaac Pereire seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Madame Isaac Pereire timeline →