Comments:  Rosa 'Belle de Crecy' or Meteor Rose or Nearly Thornless Old Rose Garden is an antique lax shrub with an erect, spreading growth habit.  It is of hybrid origin by hybridizer Roeser prior to 1829.  Once per year, in late Spring or early Summer, Rose 'Belle de Crecy' prolifically produces exquisite lavender double blooms with hues of pink and mauve, borne on old bristly woody canes. It has coarse, medium green leaves.  Meteor Rose 'Belle de Crecy' is easily propagated from grafting or semi-woody stem cuttings.  It thrives best in well-drained, neutral to mildly alkaline soil in a sunny environment.  Plant Rosa 'Belle de Crecy' in the border or in mixed planting for a glorious show.  Its strong fragrance and spectacular blossoms of this Once Flowering Shrub last 3 to 6 weeks, permeating and beautifying the Summer landscape.  According to folk lore, Rosa Gallica 'Belle de Crecy' was named for the garden of Madame de Pompadour of Crecy.