Alba Roses [ Hexaploid ] seed x 4 & Pollen x 2  (I told you this would be important soon). The third ancient group, hybrids between a rose of the R. canina section such as R. mollis and R. gallica, or possibly a Damask. Alba roses are always white or pale pink flowered, sweet scented, with bluish leaves. They make large bushes up to 7&1/2 feet, with few thorns. Grown during the Middle Ages, Alba roses were brought to England by the Romans. As a group, these roses are hardy shrubs with exceptional form in habit and flower. Disease resistance is generally excellent, as is cold hardiness.

This is an old picture of an Alba hip