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| “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” Attributed to Abraham Lincoln |
We are planning the roses for the next phase of the gardens. I was thinking of alternating the white rose with Olympiad, a pure red rose, very popular for the last 20 years. Mrs. Ichabod suggested the Lincoln rose, so I began reading about it again. We grew it in Midland.
A very well-known hybrid tea. Long pointed buds open into large, well-formed, long stemmed, fully double 4" blooms (petals 24+) of velvety, deep red. The velvety texture of the bloom is almost unbelievable. 'Mr. Lincoln' has outstandingly strong damask fragrance that seduces the senses. A vigorous, tall, upright continual blooming bush with dark green foliage. Makes a good cut flower.
Mr. Lincoln was introduced 50 years ago. Olympiad has almost no fragrance, but Mr. Lincoln is famous for its perfume, getting as many raves as Fragrant Cloud.
Rosarians love a perfect, high-pointed bud, which Mr. Lincoln has. The petals are heavy, velvety, and open slowly. Compare that with the Knock Out shrub rose, where the petals are light and open very quickly.
Aroma is another plus, so this is one that will fill the doorway and driveway with even more rose perfume.
The only drawback is the bloom turning a bit blue as it ages.
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| Mr. Lincoln bud. |
Mr. Lincoln is descended from the Chrysler Imperial, a car and a rose no one talks about these days. Chrysler Imperial had many of these qualities, but Mr. Lincoln seems to have improved on them.
Older roses can be bought for a decent price while new roses are heavily promoted and sold at a premium price. I like to grow the roses that have a good track record rather than a lot of hype. If it is still selling after 20 years, there are reasons for that longevity.
Still, if I can try out a new rose for a bargain price - why not?
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| Mr. Lincoln makes an ideal rose in gardens and in bouquets. |