Rose
of the Month #4
By Gaird Hamilton
*Featured
on ARS Website
GEMINI
This is the fourth rose in our Rose of the Month
series, and I thought that it might be hard to decide because there
are so many from which to choose. As I walked out front in a light drizzle
though, my choice was made for me when I saw some nice blooms on Gemini.
The picture included with this article was taken on January 23rd. We
have four bushes of Gemini, and there is not one leaf with black spot
after not being sprayed since September. They are in different parts
of the garden also. When you add deep green glossy large foliage all
year long, to a rose which has exhibition form and can win a top trophy
for you, it is a hard combination to beat.
For those of you who like an official description,
from Modern Roses 11, bud pointed, ovoid; flowers cream, blushing coral
pink, dbl., 25-30 petals, 4.5-5 in., exhibition form, usually borne
singly, moderate, sweet fragrance; prickles moderate; foliage large,
deep green, glossy; long stems; upright, spreading, tall (5.5 ft) growth;
AARS 2000. This is definitely one time when the AARS winner turns out
to be a show winner too. In spite of the fact that it has only been
out since 2000, it is ranked 23rd in exhibition rankings for the 5 years
from 1997-2001 even though during the first part of those five years
it was not available. It will probably be in the top 10 by next year.
While a lot of you probably do not plan to exhibit
your roses in a rose show, these roses look great and last a long time
in a bouquet, or on the bush. Because of not having too many petals,
and because the petals have good substance, Gemini manages to have nice
looking roses even during those damp coastal weather times. It also
has a quick repeat time between flushes. If you have a spot in your
yard which is crying out for a rose, give it a try, you’ll like
it.
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