Commercially available

• Ardoisée
• Bizarre Triomphant
• Maheca de Dupont
• Rosa gallica atropurpurea
• Rose Bleue (gallica, Unknown, before 1811))
• Violette Bronzée

Also referenced as:  Charles de Mils,  Charles Mills,  Charles Wills,  Charles de Wils,  Busard Triomphant,  Triumphant Bizarre,  Bizar triomphant,  Slate-coloured Rose,  Rose Ardoisé

112 favorite votes.  
Average rating: EXCELLENT-.  

Mauve or mauve blend.
Registration name: Charles de Mills

Bred by Unknown Dutch origin (Netherlands, before 1790).

Gallica / Provins.  

Crimson and red.  Strong fragrance.  Average diameter 4.75".  Large, full (26-40 petals) bloom form.  Once-blooming spring or summer.  

Suckers on its own roots, thornless (or almost).  Dark green foliage.  
Height of 39" to 5' (100 to 150 cm).  Width of 4' to 5' (120 to 150 cm).

USDA zone 4b through 8b.  Shade tolerant.  Disease susceptibility: disease resistant, susceptible to Mildew.  Prune after flowering is finished.  Prune lightly until this rose gets established (about two years), then prune it back by about a third..  This rose blooms on old wood.  

Pépinières Loubert's 2002 Catalogue says this rose came from Holland pre-1700. The 2004 catalogue lists 'Bizarre triomphante' as originating before 1811 and a separate 'Charles de Mills' before 1885. The 1844/45 Van Houtte catalogue contains the first known mention of 'Charles de Mils'. There is no substantion for the date of 1746.

A Charles Mills was Director of the East India Company, elected 1785.