Book  (Jun 1992)  Page(s) 113.  
 
Dickerson classifies it as a Hybrid China. Armand Jean de Plessis, Duc - and Cardinal - de Richelieu; minister of Louis XIII; lived 1585-1642.

Book  (1992)  Page(s) 326.  
 
Description.

Book  (1992)  Page(s) 57.  
 
'Cardinal de Richelieu' is suitable for pegging.

Book  (1992)  Page(s) 129.  
 
1840 - Hardy to Zone 4 - 3 ft to 5 ft high / 2 ft to 4 ft wide - fragrant - mauve - once-blooming - first raised in Holland and originally known as 'Rose van Sian' after its breeder there. It is thought that Laffay received the rose from Van Sian and reintroduced it with a new name - double - spring-blooming - cut back 1/3 after bloom (it will bloom more heavily with this treatment.) Of all the Old Garden Roses, only Gallicas are truly purple, and 'Cardinal de Richelieu' is one of the purplest

Book  (1992)  Page(s) 20.  
 
Gallica shrub; purple; blooms of medium size, double; not remontant; growth bushy, lax, 36 x 48 in (90 x 120 cm); dark leaves, smooth stems; good scent. Laffay 1840. OGR

Book  (1991)  Page(s) 84.  
 
A particularly deep shade of purple. Fragrant. In clusters. Good for hedges. (4 x 3 ft) It responds to extra attention, so feed it well and prune judiciously. c. 1840

Book  (1991)  Page(s) 56.  Includes photo(s).
 
Thomas considers it to be a Gallica hybrid. One of the richest coloured Gallica hybrids. Probably owing some of its being to the China Rose, on account of its smooth stems and leaves. Named after the famous seventeenth-century prelate and statesman. Flower: unequalled in its depth of velvety grape-purple on the front of the petals, backed by lilac pink, button eye, almost white center. Prune away weak wood after flowering and reduce lanky shoots in February.

Book  (1991)  Page(s) 140.  
 
Height: 5 ft. Spread: 4 ft. An 1840 Gallica Hybrid. Flowers: dusky, dark purple, reflex almost into a ball, slightly fragrant. Foliage: dark green, smooth and shiny leaves. It requires special attention: generous feeding and regular thinning and pruning. Known as 'The Blue Rose of the Arabs'.

Book  (1989)  Page(s) 180.  
 
Gallica, 4 x 3 ft. Double, rich velvet purple

Book  (1988)  Page(s) 47.  
 
A triploid Gallica-China hybrid raised by Laffay in 1840. It makes a good bush up to 1.6m high, slightly less across, with few thorns.  Flowers reflexing into a deep purple sphere, often with a green eye.  Generous feeding and careful pruning are recommended for this variety.