Thanks for the additional problem solving, Beth! I used to have Gypsy Fire from Eurodesert but it wasn't particularly hardy in my zone and has been long gone. As tough as this little plant has been for 4+ years I don't think I realized reading my notes that I can't guarantee this rose was a free RV rose however, since I don't remember what I planted there. I appreciate the advice to ask RV, but while I love their roses dearly I don't find that the folks answering the phones or emails are typically all that knowledgeable about the roses. This spring they sent me Ingrid Bergman (a dark red rose) instead of the Ingrid that I'd ordered (orange with yellow hilites Mander rose), and it took some discussion to convince them these weren't the same rose. They did give me the credit for the error, but I don't think distinguishing among possible striped roses would be likely from the staff I've encountered. Theoretically Ebharvey may be correct that this could be a seedling, but I've never had any other seedling grow in my yard in 10 or more years and 1000+ roses, so it would be odd if the only seedling I got was a nice striped one like this. Far more likely given the planting frenzy that happens in my yard in spring is that I planted this and forgot to label it some years ago. I remember trying to replace Gypsy Fire from someone but that was unsuccessful, and I wouldn't have put it in an out of the way place like this. I don't recall ever ordering JH Pierneef, but given your lovely photos I certainly would if the opportunity presented itself. I seem to recall the color being on the crimson side of red rather than orange tones, but the photo you see from back in (gasp) 2014 was the last bloom picture I have and the last bloom I remember seeing. Well, I suppose if it doesn't bloom I can call it Cynthia's Darling (or whatever I want) and no one will be able to contradict me. It's unobtrusive and stays tucked in some clematis most of the season so it stays by default. Still, it is a nagging little mystery that surprisingly after 3 years still isn't resolved. I'll keep a special eye out for it this season and see if I get any new blooms. Thanks as always for the problem solving! Cynthia

Seriously?! Sure about that? Do you know what it's called? If not...how do you know it's a weed? I originally thought it was a survivor from last year's "wildflower mix" which produced all kinds of weird stuff. Do gardeners ever allow "weeds" in their gardens or is that a bad idea? I thought the lemon-yellow color of this plant was a perfect offset to all the orange-yellow coreopsis and stella d'oro daylilies. I was very glad it had invited itself into my garden to fill up some empty spaces and give me some interesting color. If it's a weed, I wonder if it will come back next year!

I'd like to think your rose is 'Summer Song' but I'm not really seeing that, although I have to allow for climate differences, but here the colour is very saturated with terracotta orange, and the foliage looks different on your rose.. but then I would never recognise Kevin Wood's photo as being 'SS' either.. the photo from style roses is more like mine, and they are very close to where I live.. So I'm not sure you're ever going to be certain about it, but it's always fun to speculate isn't it? rather a nice rose though whatever.. 'SS' foliage.. it's quite large, soft, and not quite leathery.. ..the blooms in this vase would be more typical of this rose.. ..strong colour on some blooms.. You could also ask Beth norcal, who is in your area, and she has it. She posted a photo of hers the other day on the Roses forum.. it's her favourite rose..

Like with other plants, how aggressively they spread depends on the growing environment. I have one and only one Comfrey plant for very many years, twenty maybe. Hummingbirds favourite.