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I was lucky enough to find a Peace bush that is 35-40 years old to obtain budwood from. I have watched it for two years for sign of virus, and at least in outward appearance it has none. It has never been sprayed or altered in any way except for light pruning and deadheading of spent blooms.The color of the blooms on this Peace are more intense,not darker mind you, just more intense than the washed out modern versions of this great rose that you buy today. The fragrance is strong and pleasant--almost intoxicating "old rose" scented.
The "modern" bushes have been so extensively propagated I believe they are losing their vigor, fragrance, and bloom qualities that made this such an outstanding rose when first introduced. I have had four bushes budded from the 40 year old bush onto virus free multiflora rootstock and am anxiously watching them grow into full grown, vigorous, beautiful "new" bushes.
John
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Hello, i was very interested in your posting of an older Peace rose. We moved to a new property recently and it had a 40 year old Peace rose. I tried to establish a cutting from some pruned branches. One of the cuttings rooted and is now a foot tall. Do you think I can grow it successfully as such, or does it need grafting? I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks very much.
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you are very lucky to have an old Peace rose. Chances are it is virus free as repeated proprogation at nurseries predispose plants to pathogens. Keep the cutting growing on its own roots as it is obviously happy and vigourous. Keep it well fed and pampered and soon you will have 2 large Peace Roses. Most roses do not need to be grafted unless it is a naturally weak rooted variety (ie Grey Pearl).
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#3 of 4 posted
20 APR 09 by
Allison
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I agree, you are Extremely lucky--'Peace' is reported to have diminished in vigor over the years from so much propagation, and possibly viral infection, and judging by my bush, I can only agree. I hope one day to find some more vigorous specimens to replace mine. If you like the rose, I would encourage you to propagate as many as you can, and you absolutely do not need to graft them. In many ways it is better to grow a rose on its own roots--you do not have to worry about winter kill to the ground, and the bush tends to live much, much longer.
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#4 of 4 posted
14 MAY 09 by
Tisha
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How do you tell how old a rose bush is?
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