‘Charles Albanel’ is not as well known as some of the other Explorer rugosas. For example, ‘Jens Munk’ and ‘David Thompson’. The flowers are rather ordinary, but it might be one of the most valuable for breeding purposes. It is the only rugosa with ‘Blanc Double de Coubert’ in its pedigree via its sport ‘Souvenir de Philemon Cochet’. The progeny tends to have a relatively dense branching characteristic (not easily obtained in breeding rugosas) and flowers can be quite large (4 1/2 inches across). I’m impressed with ‘Charles Albanel’ as a staminate parent.
Last summer I did Foxi Pavement x Charles Albanel crosses. Seeds germinated well so I have many tiny plants growing now in my garden.