This Bourbon rose was introduced into trade in 1843 by Beluze. Below is a quote from a passage in Brent Dickerson's Old Rose Advisor discussing the introduction of Souvenir de la Malmaison: "The blossoms ... were taken to the markets of Lyon, whence they were quickly borne off, and Beluze was not of a mind to release this wonderful variety [wanting to maintain his 'monopoly' on its appearance in the florist trade] ... Beluze was so happy in the possession of this jewel that, whenever someone would enter his yard, he would place that person under the strictest surveillance, believing that otherwise the person would take many cuttings. The story also goes on to say that Mme Beluze would stand, watching, in one of the windows of the house. As for Beluze himself, he would be lost in watching the visitor from head to toe."
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