Found Tea Rose 'Madame Lombard': A Cemetery Survivor

Discovered as a "found rose" at Bloomfield Cemetery and introduced commercially in 1878 by Lacharme, 'Madame Lombard' (also Madame Lambard, Bloomfield Cemetery Tea) is a Tea rose of exceptional grace and resilience. The flowers are large (4 to 5 inches), high-centered to cupped, with a delicious color progression: opening yellow-buff, deepening to apricot-pink, then aging to soft pink. They carry the classic Tea fragrance—sweet, fruity, with a hint of spice.

The plant forms an open, airy shrub 4 to 6 feet tall with slender, reddish canes and light green, semi-glossy foliage. True to its Tea lineage, it blooms in flushes throughout the long season, often flowering well into winter in mild climates. Its discovery in a cemetery setting speaks to its remarkable toughness and longevity.

'Madame Lombard' thrives in warm climates (zones 7-10) and appreciates some afternoon shade. It's an ideal choice for southern gardens where many roses struggle. For collectors of found roses and Tea rose enthusiasts, this cultivar offers history, beauty, and proven survivorship in one elegant package.