Beautiful photo, Jeri! I hadn't heard of 'Waban' before, but that really would be a wonderful find.

Jay

I had heard the name, but not made the connection.

Apparently, a lot of people had shied away from 'Bridesmaid,' because 'Waban' had been a disappointment.

But we don't know why it was disappointing! Maybe WE would like it!

And, maybe ... maybe it's hiding out there, somewhere.

JERI

Jeri - do you know WHEN 'Waban' was described as "red"? In the 19th century rose folks seem to use "red" to describe dark pink roses a lot - just like folks call some roses "blue" now when they are really mauve.

Jackie

The References section on HMF gives a number of descriptions from the late Nineteenth Century. The listed colors were considered "red" regarding Tea roses. "The Book of the Rose" (1984) stated, "Another sport from Catherine Mermet, also from America. Not yet sufficiently tested, but at present it does not often come good." "The Garden" magazine (1894) wrote, "The Bride is now regarded equivalent in merit to its parent, but Waban and Bridesmaid do not possess such great distinction." I'm sure searching for more references in the old rose books listed in Henry's thread the other say should provide even more comments about its performance. Kim

Here is a link that might be useful: References

It's funny, Jeri - when I looked at your first photo, I thought "What a great photo". Then I thought "But I LIKE Catherine Mermet's pale color". And then I scrolled down to your second photo and lost my heart! Lovely, lovely!

Laura

Having had Catherine Mermet briefly, and seeing these photos, I think Bridesmaid is quite an improvement. I really had no idea it was this pretty, however.

Ingrid

I had her and loved her. She was not in a good spot though and when I moved her, she died. I would love to have another. I do like Catherine Mermet color, however. They are both lovely roses.

It's not that I DISLIKED Cat Mermet's color -- I just think this is prettier. In fact, in a world where I have to pick and choose what roses I can irrigate -- Bridesmaid wins. (Her foliage is better here, too.)

JACKIE:

Waban was introduced in 1891 (Bridesmaid in 1892).

I agree with you. At the end of the 19th Century, people WERE still using "red," or "light red," to describe roses WE would call "deep pink," or "pink," or even "rose."

Kim Rupert's 'Lynnie' is oftficially "pink" but in my normally-cool conditions, it is commonly closer to "rose."

JERI

She is a very healthy rose in my climate too. Our horrid summers don't seem to faze her. She doesn't bloom in the heat but her foliage looks pretty ok by this time of year, which is saying something, considering the endless, awful heat here.

Heck, THIS year, our coastal temps haven't been all that cool, either. And with less and less water . . .