The Bourbons originated on the isle de Bourbon which is located near India. The first Bourbon rose was a chance hybrid between the autumn damask and a china rose. This plant was then crossed to many of the other roses of the day. Most Bourbons are repeat flowering -that is they bloom in the spring and a gain in the fall with some possiblity of blooms in between.
Some of the Bourbons flower only once in the spring. Bourbons aren't particularly well suited for cold climates. They also tend to blackspot more than most of the other old roses. However, in warmer climates and with some spraying they can be glorious. They are, as a group, well scented. Back to the rose varieties
