Breeding: "9 stripe" X 'Rugosa Magnifica'.

After many years of careful observation and testing in various climates, Ralph Moore has decided to officially release this spectacular new Rugosa hybrid into commerce. We, the rosarians, are certainly going to benefit from the introduction of such a beautiful rose. Originally bred in 1987, 'Moore's Striped Rugosa' has been admired by many when viewed at Sequoia Nursery. After such a long wait, it has certainly earned its day in the spotlight.

Following a similar line of breeding as previous Moore Rugosa hybrids (See 'Linda Campbell' and 'Topaz Jewel'), this one involves 'Rugosa Magnifica' as a pollen parent on an unnamed miniature breeder. The seed parent involved several generations of breeding including 'Dortmund', 'Fairy Moss', 'Golden Angel', and 'Little Darling', with the striping coming from 'Ferdinand Pichard' four generations back. This rose is a remarkable achievement, I believe, and will hopefully become as well known as the other Moore Rugosa hybrids.

In my garden, this hybrid has been an exceptional performer, with nearly continuous bloom (less so during the height of Summer heat, of course) on a compact, low growing shrub. Bloom quality is excellent and there is a classic Rugosa fragrance that varies in intensity with the climate. It should be completely Winter hardy to at least zone five and likely zone four as well. The foliage is deep green (dark purplish-red when young!) and has shown excellent disease resistance under my conditions. I expect this will be a superb smallish shrub for many climates and garden conditions.