Introduced: 1993, Austin
Class: Shrub
Flowers: deep yellow, very double 55-57 petals on 5" blooms
Size: 4' bushy and vigorous with dark green leaves
Fragrance: strong, honey
ARS Rating: 7.8
Golden Celebration
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Introduced: 1993, Austin Class: Shrub Flowers: deep yellow, very double 55-57 petals on 5" blooms Size: 4' bushy and vigorous with dark green leaves Fragrance: strong, honey ARS Rating: 7.8 |
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The profusion of large, heavenly scented blossoms make this rose a favorite of mine. It is almost constantly covered in blooms and has long stems for easy cutting. The fragrance is always described as being that of warm, sweet honey, which I couldn't believe until I got my first whiff. That is the most accurate description I can come up with as well. It is positively delightful! Being an Austin rose, it also exhibits wonderful cold-hardiness as well as heat tolerance. Surviving our Zone 5 winter without extra protection and blooming despite the drought and heat of this summer. The flowers do, however, get stippled with pink in the hot, full sun.
Pruning and spraying for blackspot are the only chores regularly required for this plant. Pruning can be quite the weekly task because of the sheer number of flowers it produces. I don't mind the extra pruning when I see the bush completely covered in yellow blooms, though. Blackspot can be an ugly problem if a regular spray program isn't implemented early in the growing season. The bush bounces back quite readily from a blackspot infestation, but looks very "naked" and spindly without its foliage.
While not as carefree as some of the other shrub roses, I find the little bit of extra effort makes this bush an excellent addition to the garden. Its outstanding summer-long display, unusual scent, and hardiness are qualities that make this plant a top rose in my book. This rose is a golden celebration all summer.
Looking for information on another rose? Try using our Rose Index. It will guide you to reviews of roses we have featured here in the past.
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