Its parents were R. wichurana and the yellow hybrid tea 'Shirley Hibberd' (Levet père, 1874),[1] named after the Victorian gardening writer (1825–1890).

The small leaves are dark green and very glossy, as is typical of wichuraiana hybrids, and create a nice contrast to the light flowers.

[3] 'Albéric Barbier' is a robust plant, useful for covering fences or unsightly walls, even those facing north since it is shade tolerant.

[5] It can also grow in full sun[6][7] but doesn't prosper in hot spots or harsher climates.

[2][8][9] This rose gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.