'Color Magic' is my 3rd favorite hybrid tea right behind 'Double Delight'. It's a fantastic, gorgeous rose that's easy to grow and love. The flowers first open a buff-pink, and as they develop, the outer petals gradually turn pink, then deeper pink, and eventually a deep, glowing salmon-red. The overall effect is red and pink roses on the same 4 to 6 foot bush, which is somewhat open in habit with a tendency to spread. The flowers are very long-lasting and never turn brown. They easily average 5 inches wide, with the potential to reach 6 to 7 inches wide.
The large glossy foliage has fair disease resistance, but it's best to spray regularly because they will get blackspot if neglected. The fragrance is terrific and very strong (8/10) and deliciously fruity with nutty notes. While some are borne one-to-a-stem, in my experience most are borne in clusters, and the bush has a propensity to make many basal breaks with subsequent candelabras, provided you plant in full sun and feed and water well regularly. It's well worth the effort.
It's a bit winter-tender, but don't let that stop you from planting 3 or more together. One of Bill Warriner's great breeding triumphs, this 1978 AARS winner has a 7.8 rating from the ARS and is a must-have for every rose lover! It looks and smells great and is a continuous bloomer. Could be good for exhibition too.
Glen rosarian, zone 7a, NE Oklahoma.
This is magical. It is huge and is much bigger than the 5" in the description. It is very fragrant. A little fussy on the northwest coastal area. Get more than one as sometimes blooms are scarce. But worth it in every way.
I didnt expect it to be so changing. Beautiful in all stages. Good shrub disease free
Fabulous addition to my pink rose garden. Large blossoms, and constantly in bloom. The look like watercolor paintings