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Pacific
Southwest District
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Charismatic Photo by hybridizer David Clemmons |
This month’s featured rose is a gorgeous new mini-flora called Charismatic (DECmatic) that comes to us from talented Alabama hybridizer and prize-winning exhibitor, David Clemons. Named after a legendary Kentucky Derby winner, Charismatic is a vibrant red blend (rb), and is a cross of Ruffian x Kristin. It was introduced in 2004 by Rosemania and is rapidly becoming a favorite of exhibitors coast to coast.
The most remarkable thing about Charismatic is its outstanding form. One look at this rose and it simply speaks excellence to you. The blooms are consistently high-centered with exquisite exhibition form. They have from 17 to 25 petals (although 25 petals is the norm) and can reach 2 to 2 1/2 inches across when fully opened, depending on weather variations and time of year. The beautiful buds are urn shaped, unfurling to reveal perfectly spiraled blooms with pinpoint centers set upon long straight stems. This is a rose that that literally commands attention. What more could you ask for?
Well, there is also the stunning color, which is a beautiful combination of red, pink and yellow hues. The petals, which are full of substance year round, are edged with a rich cherry red on the outer part of the petals, blending to variations of pink and yellow with a white reverse. Intensity of color varies with the weather, of course; and the blooms blush more deeply in the cooler spring and fall months.
For the home gardeners among our readers, Charismatic is an excellent choice. It has very good remontance, and blooms constantly, even in the most intense heat of summer. Charismatic is also a vigorous grower, and puts out long, strong canes with lots of blooms. The plant is medium tall, growing to about 36 inches, and has an upright growth habit that is excellent for container growing. The impeccably formed blooms come mostly one to a stem, although the occasional spray will present itself. Furthermore, the medium green, semi-glossy foliage sets a complimentary frame for these long-stemmed beauties.
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| Charismatic - Best Mini English Box ARS Spring National Convention, 2005 Shown by Sandy & Bob Lundberg |
The only drawback to this rose in the Pacific Southwest is its predisposition to powdery mildew, which requires that it be sprayed regularly. However, a good and diligent spray program along with occasional morning showers to the foliage will keep it looking clean and beautiful year round.
For the exhibitors among us, this exciting new mini-flora is destined to be a top show rose, and is definitely a queen contender. It has already been making a mark on the trophy tables all over the country, and I have personally won two Kings and a Princess with it this spring.
Of particular note, Charismatic thrives in all weather. This rose is always good, and the form is always there, no matter what the season. For exhibitors, this is a rose you can count on to produce exhibition blooms whenever you need them. That quality of consistency in form is very rare. In my garden thus far, the only roses demonstrating that consistent quality over time are Bob Martin’s outstanding mini-flora Butter Cream, and Robbie Tucker’s killer miniature Dancing Flame. To add Charismatic to that distinguished and exclusive list is a tribute indeed.
Although it does well all over the country, Charismatic appears to be a particularly excellent rose for the Pacific Southwest. In speaking with hybridizer David Clemons, he observed the following: “ Charismatic is phototropic and will have much better coloration in cooler temps and adequate sunlight. Southern California might just be the best place to grow and show Charismatic. Seems you get a more pronounced yellow center with brighter red edges. Really beautiful.”
In researching show statistics, I consulted the man who I like to call “the Sultan of Stats”, Bob Martin, our District Director and Editor of Rose Exhibitor’s Forum. I learned that Charismatic has already won 4 Queens, 4 Kings, 6 Princesses, 4 Court of Honors plus has been included in a winning National Challenge Class, the J. Ben Williams at the Shreveport National, shown by Harold & Jean Baker. Additionally, top exhibitors Bob & Sandy Lundberg won the Mini English Box with Charismatic at the Shreveport National. (See the picture of their beautiful winning entry posted here.)
I asked Bob Martin for a preliminary estimation of Charismatic’s show performance thus far, and he commented: “From a results standpoint, Charismatic is one of the strong new mini-floras. My sense, from eyeballing the results from the first 2/3 of the year, is that it is running fifth, behind Butter Cream, Conundrum, Dr. John Dickman and Tiffany Lynn.” That is pretty high praise for a rose that has only been commercially available for a little more than a year, and on a rather limited basis.
In conclusion, Charismatic is one of the best new roses I’ve had the privilege to grow in years, a showstopper both in the garden and on the trophy table. It is currently available exclusively from Rosemania ( www.rosemania.com) as part of their boutique of top miniature and mini-flora offerings. I suggest that you add a little “charisma” to your own garden soon with the outstanding, award-winning Charismatic!
