This rose was developed by French horticulturist Francis Meilland, in the years 1935 to 1939.
When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France he sent cuttings to friends
in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States to protect the new rose.
It is said, that it was sent to the US on the last plane available before the German invasion.
As Meilland sent his cuttings just before the war, communication between the cultivators was not possible,
which is why the rose received different names.