This is Schoener's Nutkana. I look forward to it every spring, and it never disappoints.
I got this rose three years ago by mistake. I had ordered a rare hybrid tea called Schultheis' American Beauty. The tag on the rose I received was the one I ordered, so I had no reason to suspect that there was a mistake.
Then it bloomed, and I knew this was not the rose I ordered. It's a large arching shrub, and every spring it is completely covered with huge, gorgeous, dark pink flowers. Look at those stamens!!
These flowers are a full 4 inches across! Look how many of them there are on the bush ... and it's just getting started.
By the end of the week, it will be completely covered.
Look at the stem ... it's almost completely thornless. Schoener's Nutkana's one weakness is that it can be somewhat susceptible to blackspot. This is easily controlled with fungicide.
I was having fun this evening, playing with backlighting. The petals are delicate, and they glowed in the light of the setting sun.
After it finishes blooming, Schoener's Nutkana must move. Since it isn't the hybrid tea I expected it to be, I cannot leave it where it is sprawling all over its neighbors. I have a perfect new spot, a little behind where it is now, in a bed with two lilac bushes.
This rose needs room to be able to spread its graceful branches. I have been told that I can expect it to reach 6 feet high and 8 or more feet wide ... I can't wait!
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Let me take a minute to thank everyone who left comments here or sent emails expressing sympathy about our water-damaged ceiling. Grandson's ceiling is the only damage (thank goodness) Our floors and our furniture are fine. The air conditioning repair-guy was here this afternoon. He repaired the unit, and things should be working well from now on. Once things dry completely, I'll repair the ceiling and you'll never know there was ever a problem.
(written by Hartwood Roses. Hartwood Roses blog)