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Colors! Princess Alexandra and Lady Elsie May

12 years ago

Well, I'm convinced...and your pictures on Garden Web helped convince me...I ordered BOTH Leonardo da Vinci and Princess Alexandra of Kent roses! Now, to place them....would they look good side-by-side?

The color of Princess Alexandra seems to be somewhat similar to my Lady Elsie May rose (which is coral-pink, a pink on the orangey side.) Maybe it would go there? What do you think?

And anyone who grows Munstead Woods...what colors does that go well with? Light pink? Or...? I would be interested in your thoughts on what color combos work well together with either Munstead Woods or Princess Alexandra.

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Comments (3)

dublinbay z6 (KS)
12 years ago
Myself, I would be cautious about trying to match shades of pink without actually seeing the roses blooming right in front of me. Even then, it could still be tricky since the shade of pink on just one bush can vary (sometimes a lot), depending on the weather and growing conditions.

On the other hand, contrast can be quite dramatic. Munstead Wood would look terrific with light pink. Would create a most dynamic effect. And a light pink would go well with the medium pink of Princess Alexandra. You might consider, for instance, Austin's Sharifa Asma--gorgeous pastel pink/white blooms, graceful shrub (kind like Leonardo or Princess Alexandra, in that respect). Sharifa would contrast wonderfully well with all of the above--and if inserted between Leonardo and PrincessAlexandra, would help bring out the individual virtues of each one rather than blurring them together side by side to each other.

However, you would need to spray for BS, I think, with Sharifa. For a more disease-resistant pastel pink/white you might try something like the floribunda Easter Basket (about 3' x 3') or maybe Austin's Queen of Sweden (about 4' x 3')--although its vertical habit may not work in well with the more graceful lines of the others.

Just some thoughts. Hope you plan on taking pictures so we can all enjoy the results.

Kate
nanadollZ7 SWIdaho
12 years ago
Hi vickysgarden,
Where did you get Leonardo? I still don't know of a source for him. I will be planting Princess Alexandra this May, though, and am really excited about it. I also had Munstead Wood special ordered for me by my favorite local nursery and the order couldn't be filled. It's such a popular rose, I think, and the order didn't go in soon enough. So, I'll either try David Austin, or try again next year for Munstead Wood. Diane
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vickysgarden
Original Author
12 years ago
Diane, I ordered Leonardo Da Vinci from Heirloom Roses. It is an own-root plant. Munstead Wood I had to order directly from David Austin. I have gotten some of my David Austin roses on ebay, though...they have some interesting ones at good prices listed right now.

Kate, thanks for your suggestions! I like the idea of a pale pink next to Munstead Woods. I have a pale pink rose, Quietness, which I may move to place next to it.

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