The first rose to be classified as a bourbon rose was a chance discovery on the isle of Bourbon, today known as Reunion. It was evidently a chance cross between a china rose, perhaps Old Blush, and a European old garden rose. This chance find led to a whole new chapter in rose breeding history and proved to be a crucial step in the development of today's remontant roses. Bourbons are a mixed bag. They tend to produce roses of cupped or old rose form. They can be quite fragrant. Some, like Great Western and Honorine Brabant will tolerate poor soil and resist disease. Typically the tougher ones are not remontant. At the other end of the spectrum are Souvenir de la Malmaison and Madame Isaac Perreire which thrive in moderate weather, require protection from blackspot, and require deep, rich, fertile soil. Where these roses are well cared for, they can be quite pleasing.