Rose Cuttings – June, 2012

‘Belinda’s Dream’, developed by the late Dr. Robert Bayse, Texas A&M math professor. Photo courtesy of Mike Shoup.

The Dream that Rocked the Rose World
 
‘Belinda’s Dream’ was originally introduced by the Antique Rose Emporium in 1988. Nobody had any idea it would be so popular, with sales soaring throughout the U.S. The 1988 Antique Rose Emporium catalogue describes the rose developed by hybridizer Robert E. Bayse thus: “Belinda’s Rose* was named for the daughter of one of Dr. Basye’s friends: seeing the plant in full bloom we can only envy her the distinction.”

Dr. William Welch of Texas A&M, a friend of Dr. Basye, secured the rose from the late professor’s collection before it was to be destroyed and shared it with the Emporium. Dr. Basye, with his insistence on perfection in his quest for disease resistance, had felt he could do better. In retrospect, Belinda’s rose may not be perfect, but she still rocked the rose world. The combination of large, high-centered, full, bubble-gum-pink flowers that bloom throughout the season — reminiscent of perfect hybrid teas — presented on a full, healthy bush that requires little in the way of care, brought together qualities of the best of old garden roses and modern hybrid teas. The rest is history.

* The name was changed to ‘Belinda’s Dream’ in 1992, so the rose could be registered with the American Rose Society.

About the author and the article: This article is an excerpt from Empress of the Garden, a new book by Mike Shoup, due for publication by October 2012. Mike Shoup is the owner of the Antique Rose Emporium. Visit his company’s Brenham and San Antonio display gardens for endless ideas on landscaping with roses. To order roses online, visit www.weAREroses.com.