Outta the Blue

'Outta the Blue' is a shrub rose. Standing upright, she is of medium height with a full old-fashioned bloom. It is hardy, resistant to most diseases and very fragrant with a true rose scent. Hybridized by Carruth in 2002 for Weeks this rose sports medium size flowers with 25-30 pedals.

When I first acquired this rose it was a much deeper purple/pink. In 2014 it became infected with a virus that caused it to variegate, leaving white stripes on the bloom (see photo 5). While the virus did not harm the plant, and the variegation lasted only one season, the rose now has a lighter color. Additionally, it is possible to see a remnant of the variegation in the fully opened rose (see photos 1 & 2). Nonetheless, 'Outta the Blue' is still one of the most beautiful roses in my garden.

Wildflowers and the Bubble Bee

My new wildflower garden and my favorite bee - Anderson. Before you ask how I know his name - he told me.  Buzzz.

The Wild Rose

People often ask me about the use and care of the wild or rambling rose.  I have photographed them in their natural habitat to illustrate their attributes.  They are small of thorn, bloom and leaf, running from pink to pale pink to white and often tangled bramble-like.  They are not climbers and don’t grow very tall, preferring instead to spread.

In the high country of the Rocky Mountains they swell into the shade of great trees or in the sunlight along trails and walkways.  They bloom once a season, leaving behind luscious hips to turn red or red-brown in the fall and winter.  Their scent is subtle but carries well on mountain breezes. As Shakespeare said, “The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem for that sweet odour which doth in it live.” 

In my estimation the wild rambling rose is not a garden rose.  Popping up where ever it pleases along its extensive root, this rose is very difficult to contain. It is best left to the wild places its blossom grace so beautifully in spring.