Rose Cuttings – October, 2007

Caldwell Pink, a rose found in Caldwell, Texas, is one of the best roses for our hot Texas summers. It’s a standout for several reasons. First and foremost is its spectacular bloom. While all other roses are shrinking in flower size and number during the summer, Caldwell Pink is just getting started. The flowers occur in clusters of 12 to 16 roses that maintain their bright pink color (most roses fade in the summer heat) and flush two to three times from mid-June to mid-November.

Ironically, this rose is also one of our most cold-hardy. It can tolerate the chilly Texas Panhandle winters without flinching and provides unique fall color – rare among roses. I fondly remember using the bright orange, red and yellow foliage in our Christmas table arrangement.

These qualities have even earned the respect from the Texas Department of Transportation, as they have incorporated this rose into a number of esplanade plantings. And, Texas A&M’s Dr. Steve George has designated Caldwell Pink an EarthKind” rose.

So, for any season, Caldwell Pink is my rose of choice!

About the author: Mike Shoup is the owner of the Antique Rose Emporium. Visit the ARE Brenham and San Antonio display gardens for endless ideas on landscaping with roses, and to order roses online, visit www.weAREroses.com