Mermaid exceeds the stated size descriptions growing in my garden near the Texas Gulf Coast. Originally growing up a tree, she is now smothering a fence since the tree fell under her bulk. The plant is probably 30' long and 12' tall. Although she does not sucker, she generously forms new canes from the base. All my roses get some black spot at times, but Mermaid is only slightly affected. She blooms all spring through to early winter. When the petals fall from the blooms, the stamens stay behind producing a display of little golden crowns. She is definitely a rose who needs her space as she grows extravagantly and is well armed with thorns! The sparrows take refuge in her thicket when hawks fly over.

Reply to this comment

Noted by Antique Rose Emporium:
"Mermaid is a rose to take seriously. While it doesn't have the objectionable suckering habit of its invasive parent, The Macartney Rose, it is remarkably vigorous. It can be grown as a thorny, yet handsome mound of shiny, green foliage and saucer- sized, 5-petal, creamy yellow flowers. It will also happily climb into trees or over fences and is a good choice for smothering ugly outbuildings. Mermaid is both fragrant and remontant once it is established."

Reply to this comment