I've grown Edith Holden for about 30 years, but each Edith Holden I've bought has not lasted long. The one currently growing in my garden is the fourth. It has been here for about 8 years, but it's failing now. I suspect this is a rose that needs to be grafted. Unfortunately, I've only been able to buy it in the own-root variety. It's a weak rose, with thin canes rising no more than 3 feet from the ground, and it's fairly stingy with its blooms.

Why do I persist in trying to grow it? Because the few blooms the rose produces have an irresistible color from start to finish, starting out in a russet-brick shade, almost brown, and gradually turning smoky-violet. These colors complement the large golden center of the bloom.

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