Current Fixation: 2013

Sunday, June 23, 2013

At least two flower shops in my area have had Heritage roses that come out bright crimson. I purchased the first one at Canadian Tire. I should have known something was wrong when the description said "nearly thornless", meanwhile it was covered inside and out by not-so-tiny prickles. But, it was the only "Heritage" rose there, and a week away from blooming.

The second was a local reputable nursery (grown by Pan-Am Nursery), and every one of their "Heritage" rose buds was deep red.

Heritage rose mislabelled

As disappointed as I was, I couldn't bring myself to dig this little guy up; he was absolutely thriving, and, while not the colour scheme I had envisioned, he's quite handsome. I just wished I knew what he was.

Well, a few weeks later, I went back to my local nursery and I think I finally found my Heritage rose... labelled as L.D. Braithwaite -- a bright crimson David Austin rose! Mystery solved :)

David Austin's Heritage rose buds

L.D. Braithwaite & spider

Mystery Rose

I recently purchased this lovely rose, and discovered it was mislabeled. I have no idea how I missed the very obvious hybrid tea pictured on the label, but this beauty definitely isn't 'Day Breaker'.

The blossoms are just over 3" wide, fully quartered, & nearly flat when open (slightly dished). They quickly nod, then fade from a light apricot/warm yellow to soft cream. The oldest flowers have some pink tinges on the outer petals (probably from the rain). It smells wonderfully fruity, maybe a bit like strawberries.

The thorns are quite large and deep red.

The foliage doesn't have any outstanding features, other than being disease free during a very wet spring.

The plant is currently ~3 feet tall and looks rather airy -- more like A Shropshire Lad than Graham Thomas.

The label says St. Catharines, ON, so I assume it comes from JC Bakker, and the closest rose on their product list is Crown Princess Margareta.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.