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.
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!
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!
Wow! High Rose. Great way to send a photo too so everyone can see.
Yeah, it was a good way to put some of the photos I’ve taken of it to work. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Reblogged this on The Fragrant Man and commented:
The Magical Mystery Rose; In response to Mohur Mother’s Day 2013.
GORGEOUS!!! (Laurie would love these roses!)
Thanks! If I manage to propagate it, I will let you know. 🙂
Anna, I just did this with a mystery rose in my garden, post your blog link onto the Heirloom Roses FB page and ask for their help. They have a fabulous collection of heirlooms.
Also, I would be more then willing to take a number of cutting to try to propagate too! Old beauties like this are cherished in the rose world. It is sort of on the level of a national treasure!
If you come by the store bring me a few branches and let’s get this baby cloned and back into circulation! I would be willing to come visit just to get a whif of the fragrance!
I have begun collecting roses for my garden and fragrance is a key factor in selection, that and they are OLD roses.
I will post this on my page too to see if anyone knows…Fun!
Thanks for sharing. N.
Thanks Nancy – that’s a great idea! I asked one of the Heirloom rose people at a garden fair recently, but of course I didn’t have any photos with me. Any chance of proper ID would be much easier with some visual detail. At the time, the Heirloom person said that she could think it could be one of five possible kinds. And yes, you are welcome to take cuttings anytime!
Pretty roses!
Thanks! Trying to figure out what it is exactly. Stand by for updates. Wish I could bottle the fragrance!
I’d love to try propagating your rose, too. I’ve had some luck with cuttings from a Perle d’Or rose from Ben’s family. In fact, I’d happily trade you a young Rosa ‘Perle d’Or’ shrub for some cuttings to try rooting!
Absolutely! Maybe you can get the iris and the rose cuttings at the same time! Maybe when the sun comes back?
I have a friend who is in no way a gardener. She stuck a few of the tips she had cut from a favorite rose into the earth around its feet. They all took! I think sometimes we overthink these things.
Really? It’s that simple?? Well, then perhaps there is hope! How cool! I think I might have figured out what it is, but am waiting for confirmation from Heirloom Roses. I think it is an Etoile de Hollande!
Your post got me curious so I looked up Etoile de Hollande, I don’t know if this is your rose or not, but I did find this: Rose Etoile de Hollande Eau de Parfum by Mona di Orio. Thought you might be interested.
Really? That’s great! It actually wouldn’t surprise me at all – it is definitely perfume worthy! Thanks for telling me! 🙂
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Any news on the Mystery Rose?
By now, I’m pretty sure it is an Etoile de Hollande. I even like to say its name – it rolls off the tongue so elegantly! Another commenter also told me there is a perfume with that name. I’m honestly not surprised!
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