Thanks Zuzu. The funniest thing happened this afternoon. We had a torrential thunderstorm after I finished photographing the roses. Afterwards I went back outside just before going off to join some friends for dinner, and lo and behold the Champagne Cocktail had transformed into a semi-faded, stippled version of its earlier self, just two hours after I photographed it. Amazing - something to do with the rain, I guess.
Sue, Opening Night has become my favorite red. Zuzu turned me onto it two seasons ago, and I'm so glad she did. To tell the truth, it wasn't that great of a performer in its first year (2009), but improved in 2010. Last fall I moved it to the back of the border, and since then it has been a stellar performer with long lived blooms at the end of tall, upright canes. I only wish it were easier to get to - I have to wade through other plants to reach it.
