Truth be told, I am a hybrid tea snob. I always turned my nose up at species and old heirlooms. But after moving to acreage, I needed something vigorous that would take up plenty of space. Given that a rugosa will propagate by runners, I decided to give it a try. My first bed (for six of them) did not get enough sun, and my bushes bloomed once then started pouting.

Even so, they did bloom once (and have been moved) and the first blooms were breath-taking. The color is a true magenta, but the petals are complete velvet. Unlike most new rose bushes, the fragrance was compelling. Its probably going to be next year.

This lovely rose proved my snobbery wrong. How nice to be misguided!!!

USDA Zone 7B (Ft. Smith AR metro)

I’ve had this rose for a couple of years and it didn’t do much except put up a thorny spindly stalk. But this year it put out a whole bunch of leaves and flowers which are glorious! I have over 150 roses ( and have planted many more which are no longer with me) and have never seen a color like this one. I’m excited to see how it will develop as it gets bigger and has more blooms!

I planted two of these this year. Hardy and quite beautiful. Very unique in its foliage and color. Color Goes so well next to other roses. Really love this rose.

I have asked more questions about this rosebush than any other. Didn’t realize how differently they grow than my others. I love Basye’s! The plant was gorgeous when it arrived and is 3 times bigger than when I planted it! LOVE LOVE LOVE!