I was wondering if anyone knew the history of 'Scarlet Knight', in terms of how it got its name. I work at Rutgers University, in New Jersey, and we are known as the Scarlet Knights also.

"Scarlet Knight is a wonderful rose, and is my wife's favourite of all the roses I have. Its petals are tough, and seem to be carved out of red velvet. Because the petals are like leather, the blooms last and last, with no fading. But this is not its only virtue. It is completely resistant to disease, its flower is large, as large as the largest of the red Hybrid Teas, for example Chrysler Imperial or Mr. Lincoln. And yet it blooms freely as a Floribunda. It is tall, upright, and not too thorny." Dr. Casmir Mekdeci in a letter to Percy Wright, July 10,1976,

I would be remiss if I did not write about Scarlett Knight. It is a wonderful rose and is too frequently overlooked. Why do I wirte this? This rose is one of exceptional quality. The flowers are many-petaled, and very long lasting. The color is a dark red,  and velvety in texture. Sometimes there is a white vein that runs through the flower, but this is not a detraction. Rather, in fact, it serves as a reminder that nature is not perfect.The growth of this rose bush is steady and sure. The stems are strong and straight. The flowers last equally long if left on the bush or if they are cut and placed in a vase with water.I can't write enough nice things about this rose. Give it a try if you have the opportunity.