Rose of the Month ~ July 2002

Moonstone

This month's rose is Moonstone. It seems only fitting that we celebrate a rose this month that has proven itself to be a winner two years running in our annual Rose Show. Both last year and this past weekend, Moonstone claimed not only the Queen of Show but the Queen of Snow as well. So this rose of the month is for all the exhibitors out there.

Moonstone (originally introduced as Cadillac DeVille) is a hybrid tea, large flowered variety, bred by Tom Carruth and introduced in the United States in 1998 by Weeks Roses. The ARS classifies it as white, giving it an 8.2 rating but it's color has shown to be anything from pink blend, pink edge, white, near white and white blend. Being a hybrid tea, it requires heavy winter protection such as the Minnesota tip but if you're up for big, long lasting blooms with long straight stems it may be worth the work. The blooms have perfect exhibition form and may last over a week cut or even longer on the plant.

(click on any image to see larger version)

January 2002 Rose - Climbing Westerland
February 2002 Rose - William Baffin
March 2002 Rose - Cupcake
April 2002 Rose - Country Dancer
May 2002 - Kazanlik
June 2002 - Jeanne Lajoie