After growing this rose now for two years, I am sure that more people should give it a try and grow this rose for themselves. It has proven to be a very nice rose. The bush itself is very vigorous and healthy and has stayed disease resistant with my routine spray program and so far is winter hardy even though I don't intentionally add any winter protection to it for winter. The leaves are dark green and thick and make a perfect backdrop for the wonderflu blooms.
The blooms open deep red from buds that are almost black in color. They are good sized, high centered, and very angular. It is rather "pointy" looking and star-like in appearance. The petals are very thick and last a long, long time on the bush or even when cut for a vase. They are carried on very long and straight stems that are not very thorny, but are very strong and of moderate thickness. There really is no fragrance to speak of, though it does smell "fresh" which is pleasant. Some roses with no fragrance have a stale worn-out smell to them I think but this one does not. I appreciate that immensely. The one drawback is that the rose could bloom heavier than it does, but alas it doesn't. Though, it does repeat very quickly, so it almost seems that it blooms more than it really does. It only blooms in singles. I have seen absolutely no sign of blooming is clusters or sprays at all.
I really recommend the rose highly and think more people would enjoy it if they gave it a try. I got mine from Wisconsin Roses owned by Steve Singer.




John