Large-flowered Climber 'New Dawn'

Large-flowered Climber 'New Dawn'
Rosa

Receives only about 2 hours sun in my Zone 8b garden, Charleston, SC

The first bud is starting to open on my New Dawn, and the outer petals are edged with dark pink. I don't remember it looking like this last year. I'm just wondering if this could be a sport and if it is what do I do with it.Mary Lee

Hi Mary Lee,

I'd have to agree with you that I've never seen any dk pink edging on the blooms of this plant (and I have about 8 of them). Not sure about potential sports of this one. I believe this plant is a sport or otherwise decendant of Dr William Van Fleet, but that one also has pale pink blooms.

My 1st and major concern would be whether this "new" bloom is actually coming from the root stock. Are you familiar with the issue of root stock on grafted roses? Most of the grafted roses in my area are on Dr Huey stock (dk red black). The root stock sends up branches if the grafted plant died over the winter; but I have also seen this happen with otherwise healthy plants. If you determine that the bloom is coming from the root stock and if the grafted plant is still alive you will need to remove all of these incorrect branches as close to the base as possible. Otherwise the more vigorous root stock will take over.

If it is a indeed a sport, there probably isn't any harm in letting it stay (unless it starts to take over); you may have a new variety. That would be fun.

You might also want to post this question in the rose forum; there are many knowledgeable rosarians there who might have more info.

Sheryl

We checked the root stock theory, its from an upper branch, and a branch below that one has a normal blossom on it. Here is the blossom in question. It is possible the color variations are from a recent frost. There are two other buds on the same stalk that died. We will just keep watching and see what happens.

The picture helps. The frost damage theory seems reasonable; I've seen similiar darkening on damaged buds. Since you've ruled out the root stock, I think it's safe to watch and wait. Who knows, you may have a new variety. That would be exciting. If the branch persists in making unique flowers you might try rooting a cutting from it. Best of luck.

Does this rose smell as good as it looks?

berrygirl, I don't recall. I have 1 blooming now. Will try to remember to check tomorrow and let you know. Beware though, due to allergies/sinus I have limited ability to smell. I generally only notice the ones with "knock you down" odor.

Oh scutler I'm so sorry to hear about your sinus problems. My DH has sinus problems and can't smell either so I am sure he empathizes with you. Thanks for checking for me- it is a gorgeous rose!

Maybe someone else who has grown it will chime in. I had noticed on the PF that the fragrance opinions range from very to hardly any at all. Everything is relative, right?

YES! It smells wonderful!!!

I've read that the scent is strongest in the early morning and when the bloom 1st opens. I did not get out to check until almost dusk and since mine is "climbing" a tree, the easiest bloom to reach was quite "mature". Nonetheless, and despite my own limitations, I found it to have a wonderfully sweet aroma - sort of Yves St Laurent's Paris meets Crabtree & Evelyn's signature Evelyn Rose. It smelled so good that I could not put it down, and yet it was so past its prime that after a few whiffs, the petals began to fall off in droves.

That I could smell it is no small thing. In spring I had paths lined with swaths of daffodils of all types. Even though I kept reading that this or that variety was extremely fragrant, I was never able to detect an odor even when I put them to nose. Likewise, I cannot smell my lilies even though everyone else keeps saying they are so fragrant. I usually figure if I can smell something the scent is probably relatively strong. That said, their are a VERY few roses that I can smell just by walking near them; Double Delight is one such rose. I don't put New Dawn in that catagory, but I did find it to have a very prominant fragrance when I held it to my nose.

Hope that helps. It is a very pretty rose, and I find that it grows and blooms well in relatively low light. I have 2 that are growing up into trees where they are shaded by the canopy above and are still blooming well.

scutler,
I am so happy for you that you could smell it!
THANKS so much for telling me about it. Another one I am adding to my wish list- lol!

berrygirl, you are very welcome! However, if your "already have" list is anything like mine, it's hard to say if I really did you a favor. lol with you!