The magical mystery rose…

You can see the yellow stamens and occasional white specks in the pinkish red petals.

There is a rose growing in my garden. It is a climber, and it reaches far above our gutters. Judging from how large its root is, It was probably planted when the house was new. Unfortunately, the people who planted it gave it nothing to climb on, so as it takes off skyward, it oftentimes wedges itself underneath our eaves, from where it takes off outward. From there, the sheer weight of it pulls it down in a big, thorny, tangled mess.

This marvelous mix of lethal thorns and silky petals also happens to be occupying just the spot that is the most logical place for a possible, future deck. Many times I’ve thought of moving it, but it’s just so darn BIG. And, as mentioned, viciously thorny! I’m pretty certain this is exactly the kind of rose that protected Sleeping Beauty for all those years, and ensnared countless nobles and daredevils who suffered ghastly torments and finally met their death in its clutches. Taking it on means I’d have to get some kind of armor… Also, roses are usually well anchored with a tap root. In even attempting to dig it up, I would no doubt damage it beyond repair – likely even severing it completely.

“So, why don’t you just get rid of it?”, I can hear you ask. Admittedly, the thought has crossed my mind. But it is so lovely! It’s not its fault that it is growing in a dumb place! I actually have read up on how to propagate roses from cuttings, thinking that I might be able to start one anew, in a better spot. Not to mention the possibility of spawning several new plants to give away. I have many friends who would love one. You see, not only is this rose a beautiful dark, velvety bluish red – it is also wonderfully fragrant! Each flower is not particularly long lived, but it makes up for that in sheer abundance. This rose will bloom continuously all summer long! Normally, I’m not much of a rose hound, but this one – scraggly and long-legged as it is – has earned a place in my heart. Not by looks, but by its intoxicating scent.

New leaves have a reddish blush, but soon turn green.

I once presented a Pakistani friend with a bouquet of these roses. I wish I could tell her what kind of rose it is – her reaction to the bouquet was as intensely emotional as only scents can provoke. She said she hadn’t smelled its like since last she visited her homeland, and she had never been able to find anything like it here! The next day, she brought Kheer – a dessert she had made, and decorated using the rose petals. It was wonderful. I had no idea you could eat them! Since them, I have used them both in salads and for cakes. Delicious!

The petals make for both tasty and striking decorations!

I have started cutting it down, as you can see in the photo below. It was dangerously listing sideways, and I needed to stand on a ladder to deadhead it. So, I decided to bring it down closer to my size while I was at it. It won’t take it long to sprout new shoots. With what’s left, I will attempt to take some cuttings. Wish me luck!  Don’t worry – I won’t remove it until at least one has taken root and is flourishing!  And, if any of you know what kind of rose this is – please let me know!