The names of roses intrigue me. Some are obviously descriptive, like Fourth of July, which does remind me of fireworks shooting out (above and below):
Many, though, are named after people. If the people are famous, there's no mystery. Most of us have probably heard of Queen Elizabeth, and her rose is tough but feminine and very vigorous even in old age:
But who was Pierre de Ronsard? Was he rotund and complex like his namesake?
And is Zephyrine Drouhin the name of a person at all? If so, was she pretty and carefree, if occasionally a bit droopy?
I have one rose to whom I have never been properly introduced, and it worries me. He may be Abraham Lincoln; he is apprpriately tall and upright, but I'd like to know for certain.
Luckily, Australian author Roger Mann has come to the rescue, just in time for my Christmas wish list, with his book "Naming the Rose". Random House promises that I will "discover the individuals who gave their names to some of the world’s most cherished roses in this radiant book." It sounds like just the thing to read in the shade on a hot, sleepy Christmas afternoon.And maybe I'll find out if Mr Lincoln is living in my garden after all.
That Fourth of July rose is awesome! Fireworks. I would grow that one.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder about all the names floating around in my garden, so many plants named for someone, but who? The rose-naming book sounds fascinating.
Lyn, this is a post really up to my liking! My roses are winding down and I am so happy to be able to see yours in full bloom. The names of the roses are also very important to me and I have been known to buy roses partially for their names (I always fall in love with the French names) or almost not buying a rose because I don't like its name. It drives me crazy if I don't know the identity of a rose that I am growing. Regarding your red rose: I have Mr. Lincoln myself and there are three things that I find very typical for this rose: flowers have a good exhibition form in the beginning, blooms are starting out as a clear warm red, but fade to a blue-ish red as the flower ages, very strong fragrance. Good luck identifying your red rose!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Love that Fourth of July! Wow, you may have talked me into putting another rose on my list! Gorgeous picture of ZD and her companions. My Mr. Lincoln is a very dark red, upright and tall, and it does get some of those white places like yours has in the picture. Thanks for the book info. Sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteOh the joy of the anticipation of a great book to read. So strange to think of a hot Christmas afternoon...We had snowflakes in the rain today. All your roses looking fabulous-- just call 'em "Honey."
ReplyDeletesounds a very interesting book, one way to learn about French history, other histories, and roses. We are having an incredibly wet weekend here, unfortunately the water is also seeping through the ceiling into a bucket as i type. The garden has grown so much and is so heavy that it's practically an impenetrable jungle. (I do exaggerate somewhat)
ReplyDeleteI love the names of plants especially those named after people and I'm afraid it often sways my choice.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty roses, makes me wish for next summer and our roses are flowering again
Laurrie - I know, it's like our gardens are full of people we haven't met!
ReplyDeleteChristina - I haven't bought a rose for its name yet, but there are roses I won't buy because of the name. Thanks for the info on Mr Lincoln. Mine is pretty much the colour in the photo, but in hotter weather in summer it is much darker. The scent is strong.
Holley - Fourth of July has really surprised me with its growth and how many flowers it gets. I have had it on an arch for 2 years now and it hasn't reached the top, but it had a bad start in its first year, and is powering on now. I would definitely reccommend it. Thanks for the info on Mr Lincoln. The rose is much darker in summer, so could be it.
Linnie - the book is now officially on the Christmas list. I would find a cold, snowy Christmas very strange. When I was a child, my family always spent Christmas at the beach, with no sunblock back then, so Christmas means sunburn to me.
Catmint - so sorry about your leaky ceiling. We've had two days of rain and are expecting at least 3 more, but no leaks yet. Things are looking a bit jungly here, too.
Helen - names don't usually sway my choice, but I like to know them. It makes the plants seem more like friends.
hello I found your blog, I find it interesting, there are new roses nurseries where you can pay money to put the name of your choice
ReplyDeleteun saludo
Hi Jordi, I'm glad you like the blog. I'd love to name a rose! It would have to be a good one, though - no blackspot, flowering a long time and really beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteYour roses are absolutely gorgeous. I am green with envy that you can have roses in your garden for Christmas; by any name at all. Beautiful!
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