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| Raspberry Swirls Shown by Suzanne Horn at the Los Angeles Rose Society Rose Show Photo by Baldo Villegas |
One of the finest new hybrid teas to come along in quite some time, Raspberry Swirls is a cross of two great show roses, Crystalline x Suffolk. Like its name, Raspberry Swirls looks like a delicious ice cream treat. Rich, creamy vanilla blooms edged with deep raspberry red are classified by the American Rose Society as a pink blend (pb). Those blended pink blooms are full of substance and generally come one to a stem. Furthermore, they present exquisite exhibition form that takes them straight to the trophy table time and again. (See a photo of my trophy winning entry from the 2005 Los Angeles Rose Society Show.)
The most striking thing about this beautiful rose with the exception of its luscious color is its outstanding exhibition form. Raspberry Swirls presents perfectly formed buds that open to reveal the classic, high centered, spiral blooms sought out by top exhibitors. Furthermore, those blooms generally have between 26 and 40 petals and can grow as large as 4 or 5 inches across.
The growth habit of the plant is medium in stature, vigorous and upright; and it averages a height of four to five feet. Sturdy stems are clothed in dark green, matte foliage, and present a formidable battery of thorns (read “prickles”) that would rival those on Marilyn Monroe. Take care to wear long protective gloves when cutting or pruning these beauties.
This rose has only a few weaknesses, including the fact that it only has a very mild fragrance. Furthermore, disease resistance is not its long suit in the Pacific Southwest. It proves to be susceptible to powdery mildew when the weather presents those cool damp mornings and warm days. During those seasons, Raspberry Swirls will need a regular spray program to keep it looking its prize-winning best. However, those who are willing to go the extra mile for it will find their efforts well rewarded with roses of incomparable beauty.
In addition, this is a rose that takes a few years to establish. The first few years will give you beautiful blooms on an increasingly sturdy bush. However, stem length does not present itself until perhaps the third year if not later. Exhibitors – keep in mind all those wonderful classes for bloom heads only and have patience. By the third and fourth year, the bushes will be putting out a decent percentage of long stems. Like all good things, they are well worth waiting for.
A particularly beneficial attribute of this rose is that it is tolerant of partial shade. This does note mean that you can plant it in total shade. That would not provide good results. However, it will do fine with as little as three hours of sun per day, which many believe will encourage it to put out longer stems in reaching for the sunlight. I have found this strategy to work with other roses like Signature and June Laver that are known for having short stems. Full sun will work just fine too, since most roses operate on the “more is better” school of thought when it comes to sunlight.
Raspberry Swirls is not only a great show rose, but is also an outstanding garden rose that is sure to reward you with breathtaking long-stemmed beauties throughout the growing season. These roses have a vase life of four to five days, which makes them perfect for cutting for the home.
With regard to availability, Raspberry Swirls is not widely obtainable. It is unlikely you will find it in your local garden center or nursery. However, despite its limited release, Raspberry Swirls has become one of the most sought after exhibition roses in commerce. For those who are willing to put out a little effort to find it, and you will most certainly have to mail order it, Raspberry Swirls will be well worth the effort. This outstanding hybrid tea is available from Johnny Becnel Show Roses at 8134 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037. Orders may be emailed to their sales representative Calvin Boutte at bcalvin508@aol.com.
In conclusion, whether you’re a diehard exhibitor looking for a superb show rose or simply wish to have beautiful cut roses for the home and office, this splendid hybrid tea is an excellent choice. I highly recommend you give a whirl to Raspberry Swirls!
