Do you mean 2' (two feet) tall, Resi? The leaves and flower look nearly right, though the flower should have more petals. Is it in at least 6 hours of direct sun a day? Is it in a container? If so, how big a container, and what have you been feeding it? If it's in the ground, is it in deep, well-drained soil, or on a rock ledge on the Cote d'Azur? The latter won't necessarily stop it, but it will need more compost and plant food to grow fast. I hope this gives you some ideas about what may be wrong. : )

thanks Tugbrethil.
yes 2 feet! and it has sun all day long.
not in a container or on the Cote d'Azur, but a hot, dry spot in southern france.
all my other roses do very well in the heavy clay soil without any additions apart from a ltlle organic fertilizer at the beginning of the season. however it looks very healthy and is obviously well, so it might not be a lady Banks after all.

It sounds likely, Resi. I can't think what kind it is, though...maybe 'Gourmet Popcorn'?