Rose of the Month-  May 06

Fourth of July- Large Flowered Climber

This rose is another true crowd pleaser.  Everyone will stop and admire this eye-catching striped rose of red, white and splashes of yellow. Large blooms have 10-12 petals, and are produced in sprays with a light sweet fragrance.  For exhibition, the challenge is to pick the spray with the most blooms at peak, since as the spray progresses in bloom, the older blooms will have faded whilst the most recent to open have the bright yellow, and fresh, stamens.  Standing back a few feet, as one would in the garden, you'll never notice this, but instead be delighted with the long-lasting nature of the blooms and sprays.  The foliage is shiny, dark green and is quite disease resistant.  Although the Fourth of July is winter hardy in the Connecticut climate, some wind deterrent, such as a wrapping of burlap will assist in allowing a tall plant to stay green through a harsh winter.  In more northern regions, the plant growth may be as a tall shrub, instead of a tall 'climber'.  Should grow to 6-8 feet in several years.  Hybridized by Carruth and introduced in 1999.