The origin of the name Bourbon Rose probably goes back to the old name of the island of La Réunion (then Bourbon). There they are said to have been planted as a field border. The Bourbon roses have their anatomy in common with modern roses, e.g. the leaf shape is very similar to modern tea hybrids.
Among them there are both single and more often flowering varieties. The flowers are large, well doubled and usually strongly scented. The plants grow up to 150-200 cm tall and often have a compact bushy habit.