We ended up with over 2" of rain, and more expected today. I went back to the nursery with the roses and I'm sure glad I did. Roses vary widely in appearance after a hard rain! Koko Loko was wiped out. Drop Dead Read didn't even look like it had been touched. Easy Does It was a mess. They didn't have a Firefighter or Always and Forever. My roses aren't as far along as those that were grown in a greenhouse, or I would be reporting on how mine did.
I do already grow an assortment of reds--I have them in a row--Mr. Lincoln, Chrysler Imperial, Oklahoma, Olympiad, Opening Night, Black Baccarat, Love, Lovestruck, (which I can't help but read as Loves Truck!) Black Magic, In the Mood, Crimson Bouquet, Black Cherry, and I think I still have Grand Amore. When Legends first came out, I had it at the top of the wish list. It falls apart here, though.
i grew Dolly Parton a few years ago and I see the local nurseries are all carrying it this year. One has it listed as "NEW" for 2012!
I was hoping there was a new red rose that's pure red, with scent like Mr. Lincoln, and good disease resistance. Oh it has to hold up to heavy downpours, too. Is that the holy grail?
