Albas |
Teddy Bear, bred by Harmon Saville, USA 1989. Teddy Bear is a most unique rose, of a rich russet color that is rare in roses. When the buds are first opening, they are a most astonishing brick red hue, and as they open fully as you see here at top left, they take on a more subdued brick and orange color. The photos here don't do the rose justice....it is a much more luminous color when you see it in person. I know it won't appeal to everybody, but I appreciate its uniqueness. For those of you who like the florists rose, 'Leonidas', you may want to consider growing this miniature replica instead of trying to locate a plant of that. 'Teddy Bear' is much more suitable for growing in the garden than 'Leonidas' is, which will produce a most horrible metallic orange color in North American gardens. ('Leonidas' turns that soft coffee-russet hue only when grown in the cool greenhouses of South America, sorry!) As you can see, the American Rose Society has not given 'Teddy Bear' a very high rating. I am not sure why, as it has been a perfectly good plant for me. It may simply be because the color is not to everyone's liking. I have noted that occasionally it will get a bit of mildew on the buds before they open, but this has happened only in the greenhouse. I have heard that this miniature is not as winter hardy as some, so I have given it a zone rating of 7 to 10 instead of 6 to 10. It may need protection in zone 7, and zone 6. Don't be surprised if it doesn't take deep freezes well. Click here for another photo of 'Teddy Bear'. ARS
merit rating:
6.5 Click on the names below to view the individual varieties. Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 2006, All Rights Reserved. |