I've noticed lately that several people have asked about certain hybrdizers and their roses. I was wondering if any of you have particular favorites. Are there some that you try to collect all their introductions?
Since I've become very enchanted with the miniature and miniflora roses I'll start there. Of course the Grand Daddy of them all was Ralph Moore but you can't forget Dee Bennett's delightful intros or David Clemons' wonderful race horse series. But for me my favorite is Frank Benardella. I just love his roses so much and have (or had until last winter) many of his little beauties.
Caliente, miniature, is a bright red stunner! The form is always spot on. A good grower and repeater and up until last winter very hardy.
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Double Take, miniflora, has a more decorative form but was a real charmer. I only had it for a short time but would definitely consider replacing it.
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Dr. Tommy Cairns, miniature, I was just lucky enough to have gifted to me from a rose friend. It's not even available anywhere yet. I've only had it a week and can't say yet how it will be but I'm thrilled to have it and excited to see what it will do. It has one bud on it!
First and Foremost, miniflora, was a big girl! Both the bloom and the plant were a good size. I wouldn't have thought it would do that well at exhibition but I've seen of late that it's been on several courts so...
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Focal Point, miniflora, was my first Benardella rose and will always be my favorite. It's stunning! Previous to last winter it was sturdy as a horse and came back strong each spring. Good repeat and fairly healthy for a mini. It's already on order for next spring.
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Jilly Jewel, miniature, I only had for one season but I will definitely be replacing this one. It grew like a weed, bloomed it's fool head off all season and each one looked like a Queen to me!
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Kristin, miniature, I got this spring and I've fallen in love with her! Tiny, dainty blooms with perfect form in my favorite white with red picote edges. She was just a stick when I got her in June but she's a good size bush now!
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Leading Lady, miniflora, WOW! I was a little worried about this one when it came in June because it seemed to be lagging behind the others I'd received. I needn't have worried, lol! She's three feet tall and wide now and hasn't stopped blooming once. The blooms are gorgeous white with the palest pink blush to them and have amazing form.
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Magic Show, miniature, was a very slow starter for me. Once it took off, though, there was no stopping it! It's grown very well this season and has been blooming those perfect little beauties all summer. Even in the gray, wet, cool season we've had this year.
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Patron, miniflora, was HOT! You could see that bright orange/red from across the yard. Not quite enough petals to show, I don't think, but a traffic stopping garden rose.
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Powerhouse, miniflora, was another bright spot in the pots. Better form than Patron but the same great color. I was really bummed that it didn't make it last winter because I was really hoping to get it to a show this spring. Another one on the "Replace Me" list!
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Power Point, miniflora, is even nicer than Powerhouse. A nice shade of red and excellent form. The plant is a strong grower but does take a while to repeat. the blooms, however, last a very long time.
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Show Stopper, miniflora, was true to it's name. Wonderful form and the prettiest shade of pink you could imagine. It bloomed and bloomed like crazy too. I just got this one replaced and I'm hoping it winters well this time. I know it will be getting special winterizing!
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Soroptimist International, miniflora, is probably one of Frank's the best exhibition roses. I'm getting to love this one too. The form is a mazing and the staying power is loooong! It's growing in leaps and bounds too.
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So that's my favorite hibridizer report. What's yours?
farmerduck NJ Z6b
ken-n.ga.mts
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