Rose Cuttings: September 2014
An ‘Old Blush’ hedge grows along a split-rail fence. Photos courtesy of Mike Shoup.
by Mike Shoup
‘Old Blush’
Still found growing at old home sites and cemeteries, ‘Old Blush’ is one of the most common of old roses; ‘Old Blush’ is also one of the most valuable. She has passed on her incredible blooming prowess to countless cultivars for well over 200 years, spanning the history of hybridization in the West. Thought to be one of the four studs instrumental in the creation of modern roses, ‘Old Blush’ dominates the field of outstanding traits.
‘Old Blush’ has a full, upright growth habit and blooms steadily — perfect for a specimen.
Her new growth is always followed with bloom, she tolerates bad or shallow soils, and she resists disease, setting the bar high for carefree landscape shrubs.
She got her name from her 10 pink petals, which turn a dark rose in color as they age — the antithesis of so many roses that go pale.
Her blooming prowess also earned her the common names ‘Monthly’ and ‘Daily’. Gardeners fuss over her beauty but not her care!