When it comes to freaks my favorite is Imperatrice Fara. It starts off a whitish green and tans red in the parts exposed to sunlight. Every rose is different. They also last supper long so some are green others are both some are much more red. It is a strange and beautiful rose. No sent but special none the less. I have nothing else like it. It lasts longer than any other rose I have. Rosa Here is a link that might be useful:

Ken - I couldn't believe it when you said you work part-time at the local newspaper, that's where I work! We are a very small weekly paper and do other things, like faxing, copying, printing and carry a few office supplies. I've worked there a long time and it has changed drastically in those years. Planting those roses sounds like a marvelous idea, hope your customers appreciate it. I think you chose some great varieties. Ratdogheads, I'm very happy that you want to borrow the screensaver idea. Honestly it didn't start out as a way to show off roses (and grandkids too), because of its proximity it gets noticed, so I try to add new pictures and take the older ones out from time to time. Toolbelt - That sounds like a unique and fun way to share your roses. I appreciate any input and ideas that anyone has.

Sherry, I think that refers to rootstock suckers. If you cut them off it's like pruning the rootstock suckering growth, which is invigorated and grows back more enthusiastically than before. I'm glad you like the sound of R. gallica 'Splendens': it is a handsome creature. Mine has started suckering (top growth) in the last year or two, and perhaps I'll be able to get a bit of it and plant it somewhere a bit more accessible than its current position. I have a notion that some of these Asian jungle giants are just not adapted to our garden conditions. I've failed with R. laevigata, and 'Cooper's Burmese' is puny. Both of these could be just poor siting and site preparation, too. I mourn our lack of big trees able to support humongous climbers. Melissa

Seil and Earwig...yes, my Chihuly has given some very different (and beautiful)blooms! The picture below is off the same plant about a month or so later, and you can see the difference in the blooms. I wish it were in bloom right now, because it usually does put out the traditional "Chihuly" blooms. This is the second year I've had it, and I purchased it through Northland Rosarium. Northland doesn't sell Tropical Sunset, so I'm sure it is Chihuly, but I agree it is very similar looking! It's funny that the same discussion came up at a rose show Seil!