I was inspired to grow a selection of the purple hybrid multiflora ramblers after reading about them in an article by Lloyd Chapman of Trinity Farm in New Zealand. He just loved them, and his descriptions were compelling.

Unfortunately, this group of roses does not do well with my rather unique soil. Here they grow poorly if at all and are chlorotic to the point of pale cream leaves with burnt edges. After a couple of years of watching them suffer, I removed all but one. The best of the lot, 'Violette', still grows here. The foliage is a pale yellow-green, but it does manage to grow and bloom nonetheless. Compared to its relatives, it is thriving.

Bleu Magenta was one of the unhappiest here that I tried. But as your picture proves, when it is good, it is very, very good indeed. Thanks for showing us just how wonderful the purple hybrid multifloras can be.

Rosefolly