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News, bred by Edward B. LeGrice, England, 1968.

The breeding of 'News' is recorded as being 'Lilac Charm' X 'Tuscany Superb', however, the fact that 'News' repeats as easily and quickly as it does casts some doubt on that fact. I suspect that it should have been recorded as being a seedling of 'Tuscany Superb' instead. This is just speculation though.

At any rate, 'News' has inherited some fine qualities from its parents. It is very disease resistant, reblooms very well, has excellent vigor, and makes a fine, shapely shrub. Oh, and the blooms are rather nice too! The color is described as being a medium purple, but I hesitate to refer to this color as purple.....it's more like a deep purplish magenta hue. It can be a deeper color at some times of the year, notably in the spring and fall. Individual blossoms are large (about 4" across) and frequently produced in large clusters. The color holds very well, and blooms last a long time on the plant.

It is noteworthy that in Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent Park in 1970, a large bed of this variety was planted. It apparently attracted a lot of attention, and helped to insure this rose' fame.

ARS merit rating: 7.8
Personal merit rating: 8.0
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 5 to 10, zone 4 in a protected location.
Shrub size: 3 to 4 feet tall, depending on climate.
Fragrance: 3.5 fairly strong fragrance.

Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 1996-2006