I consider 'Brandy' to have the best shade of apricot among all apricot roses; it's a rich, deep, golden bronze apricot. Visitors always ask me about 'Brandy', praising it's beautiful apricot color. This is in contrast to, say, the lovely soft creamy apricot color of 'Marilyn Monroe'.

The long, pointed buds quickly plump up hugely and spiral open into perfectly formed, huge, somewhat flat flowers that average 5 inches wide. When it's fully opened the 25 to 30 broad petals become gracefully wavy. The bush is upright, about 5 feet tall and moderately thorny with thin, pointed, long, dark green foliage that has moderate disease resistance. The long stems are moderately thick, and the petals have great substance-- a good exhibition rose.

The flushes on new plants can be a bit stingy, but they will increase with establishment, similar to the way 'Mr. Lincoln' is. There is a moderate (5/10) fruity/spicy/nutty fragrance that reminds me of pineapple, black pepper, cashews, and even woodsy mesquite.

A cross between 'First Prize' and 'Dr. A. J. Verhage' and a 1982 AARS winner and a repeat bloomer, I consider 'Brandy' a must-have hybrid tea. It is absolutely beautiful and gets better with age. Plant several so you will have more flowers to cut and enjoy.

Glen rosarian Zone 7a, NE Oklahoma.

9b - California

Zone 9 - Glendale, AZ - I planted Brandy 17yrs ago. The bush was rounded, tall & wide, & always had tons of very large blooms. I loved the fragrance; it wasn't the super sweet rose smell, it was subtle & kind of "woodsy". It was wonderful to have a unique smell amongst all the others. We just moved to a new home, and I can't wait to buy a new Brandy for my new rose garden.

Does not always produce as many blooms as frequently as you might wish. But when it does, stand back and enjoy a magnificent show. Just one bloom in a vase may command your full attention.