Some old texts state what is currently displayed as the parentage. However, the US Patent and the Canadian Rose Annual (1992) agree. the CRA states: "AMAI2A, HT (Meilland int '86 NR) [{(Queen Elizabeth x Karl Herbst) x Papa Meilland} x (Tamango x Suspense)], (mr), 35-40 petals."
This makes sense to me considering the readiness of Amalia to produce broken colors.
Amalia has been the best red hybrid tea in my garden for the last two years. Mine is grown on its own roots. It grows to about 4 1/2 - 5 feet in height with a tendancy to spread to about the same. It blooms in wonderful flushes throughout the season - even in the hottest weather - though production does flag a bit in August. It has a good red color that as just enough orange to catch your attention. Its color is best enjoyed in the light of late afternoon to early evening - especially in the fall. As the flower opens, the interior petals are a lighter shade of red and the bloom takes on a duskier cast. Fragrance is satisfactory being light-medium in intensity. The cut flowers last the better part of a week. The leaves are a lovely dark blue-green and age fairly well.
The plant will get black-spot when conditions are favorable. I have found that application of fungicide to this plant during the spring months, generally results in a plant does not require further application for the remainder of the year. I have had no problems with mildew from this plant. Rust and severe winters are not a problem here. Its only other drawback is that the blooms are not self-cleaning. Deadheading is required if you want a tidy looking plant. Given the impact in the garden, it is well worth the effort.
The plant produces viable pollen and sets seed - though I've yet to get any of the seed to germinate.
I am really surprised this variety is not more widely grown, I can only guess that hardiness is a factor.
