2011 Miniature Rose Review

by Cindy Garrett  

As I mentioned in my review last year, the number of mini and miniflora suppliers has continued to decline.  The new year has hit an all time low for mini and miniflora suppliers with the news that Rosemania will not be selling roses for the next two years. 

  I have definitely decided that the majority of roses prefer our cooler fall temperatures over our hot humid summers.  It is good that the fall season follows our sweltering summer because some of my roses get a reprieve to stay another year.  They usually come alive with the cooler temperatures.  I cut more bouquets this last fall than I can remember ever cutting before.  Here’s my take on how some of the newer varieties performed.  

MINIATURES  

Alysheba was hybridized by David Clemons and was new for me this year.  This is a true mini with an exhibition mauve (lavender) bloom.  I was not impressed with this rose until fall and wow what a difference the cooler weather made. 

Aydan  Renee was hybridized by Whit Wells.  After three growing seasons, I still like this rose and the unique coloring of the deep pink with a hint of yellow bloom.  The bush grows well but the bloom could use a few more petals.

Becka Anne was hybridized by Whit Wells and is a true mini with a peachy/salmon bloom.  I will keep it for another year.

Joy was in its third growing season and I still love, love, love this rose, as it has it all. Hybridizer David Clemons knew it was great and named it after his mother. He describes the bloom as fuchsia to light pink with a white reverse.  It is exquisite and has excellent form that lasts for days.  I currently have four bushes.

Magic Show was hybridized by Frank Benardella and is a true mini bloom that is white with red/pink edge.  The bloom is a gorgeous combo of color. 

Peter Alonso from Jim Sproul was a second year grower for me.  It will not grow and probably is on its way out.  It was supposed to resemble Fairhope but does not grow as well as Fairhope.

Renegade is a beautiful red/white exhibition bloom that did best in cooler weather this past season.  Looks like another great rose from hybridizer Robbie Tucker.

Sweet Harriett is a sport of Pierrine with blooms the color of Hot Princess.  This is a nice new mini with good form.  Our good friend, Dick Weidner, found this sport.

The Streak is a novelty rose from Whit Wells that is yellow with pink/red stripes.  This is an eye-catching variety.

MINIFLORAS

All American Girl from Whit Wells was in its third year.  This is another rose that I have decided prefers the cooler weather.

Baldo Villegas is a beautiful red and white blend from Whit Wells.  This is my third season and I still have three bushes.  The blooms can be gorgeous but the plants sprawl and love mildew.

Cooper was hybridized by Michael Williams.  This was my second year and my two bushes are wonderful.  It has beautiful deep red blooms that stay deep red even in the heat of summer.

Daddy Frank is in its second growing season for me.  This lovely deep red by Robbie Tucker is another variety that keeps its color even in the intense heat.  As I said last year, I like it better than Miss Flippens.

Double Take was hybridized by Frank Benardella and has pretty red/white blooms.  My plant is not very vigorous.

Eternity is a Vern Rickard rose with medium pink blooms.  I was not impressed with this rose this past year.

First and Foremost was hybridized by Frank Benardella.  I love the deep coral pink blooms.  The petals can be frilly though.

First Choice from Whit Wells is a beautiful rose with nice pink and white blooms.

Flawless is a Frank Benardella rose that has large light pink blooms that open quickly.  Good bush with strong stems.

Ghostzapper is another good rose from David Clemons.  I like the pink/silver colored blooms that have good form.

Good Ole Mountain Dew from Whit Wells is a decent mauve bloom.  The bush is vigorous as well.

Hurricane from Robbie Tucker was in its third year for me.  I have one plant left and could have zero by next year.

Jupiter was hybridized by Dennis Bridges.  It is a very vigorous bush but almost never has good blooms.  I kept two of these because the bushes were unbelievable growers.  However, the blooms almost always have balled centers. 

King of the Road was another Whit Wells rose.  The plant is vigorous but blooms are only so-so.

Lo & Behold from Vern Rickard is a beautiful deep yellow.  I was not as impressed with this rose this past year until fall when I had some beautiful blooms.

Mary Alice was new for me this year and was one of my best minifloras.  This is a beautiful yellow with great form.  The bush is vigorous too.

Mary Pickersgill was new and I’m not sure about the form yet.  The bush is growing well.

Nashville Music is a Whit Wells rose.  The blooms have a great golden color but bush will not grow.

Power Point from Frank Benardella is another great red.  This rose has great form and beautiful red color on a vigorous bush.

Powerhouse is another variety from Frank Benardella.  I love, love, love this vivid bright orange-colored bloom with great form.  The color will knock your socks off. 

Shameless was hybridized by Whit Wells.  This is a another great rose with beautiful red/white bicolor. I now have three bushes,

Shirley Raye is a Fred Wright rose.  It is a large and attractive orange/yellow combo with good exhibition form.  This is one rose that loves the heat and I currently have four.

Show Stopper is an apricot blend from Frank Benardella that was washed out in the heat.  I still am not impressed with this bloom even though the bush is vigorous.

Sunglow from Whit Wells has been around a few years but is an absolutely gorgeous, exquisite yellow single.  Definitely the best single with a very appropriate name.

Tabasco Cat is a David Clemons rose.  It is a beautiful, sizzling hot orange to orange red with good form.  Bloom is more miniature size.

Unbridled was a disappointment this past year.  The cream with pink/coral edged blooms were huge but with no form.  I probably over fertilized the plants because the blooms were so very large.