Friday, July 5, 2013

Like many/most roses in central Florida, in the summer heat "Pink Cracker Rose" sees its petal count plunge and the colors get harsher, with most blooms flat and shapeless vs. the buxom lovely ones that are produced in the cooler months. Looks like two different roses!! After having loved this Mystery Rose since the mid 70s when it was common in Seminole Heights and other older Tampa neighborhoods, and after having tried since 1984 to ID this iconic survivor that has unfortunately always refused to be a breeder (though this year I DO have a hip of [Seagull X Pink Cracker Rose]!!!) I still feel that 'Burbank' is my best guess. The lovely perfume is classic China, with a slight touch of Tea. In 1984 the Tampa Rose Society said all those plants in central Florida were descendants of roses sold for Mother's Day 1932 by the once legendary Holme's Nursery with Kew-style glass houses north of Tampa. It roots readily from cuttings and can be grown as a large bush or tall pillar rose.



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