Regarding using Rosa arkansana in a breeding program, I think we have to get away from thinking it can be used further to develop modern shrub roses. It’s already been done (Parkland series), and there are too many disease problems as a result of using Floribundas and Hybrid Teas in the breeding program.
Yes Henry, you are right. Many breeding lines have been developed at Morden having Rosa arkansana in the pedigree, so it’s not likely that anyone could improve on them.
If Rosa arkansana is to be used in a breeding program, I would keep it simple. Use it to develop roses adapted to hot, dry summers and cold winters. For example, I think there is good potential to use it with Rosa gallica. Also, developing species hybrids with Rosa beggeriana and Rosa fedtschenkoana that perhaps could be used to develop drought resistant roses.
Paul, I tend to agree that Prairie Fire may not be a first-generation hybrid. I believe that this happens more than is generally realized.
David, you sent me the stippled Morris clone a few years ago, and I have always enjoyed it. I haven
Adelaide Hoodless is cold hardy and has Rosa Arkansas in its lineage.
Plants of Adelaide Hoodless survive in zone 2 and warmer zones. The plant propagates easily from softwood stem cuttings.
This cultivar was developed from a cross between the floribunda Fire King and a hardy seedling derived from R. arkansana
JLO,
I’ve never grown Adelaide Hoodless, but this is what I’ve read about it. It suffers badly from BS here in Minnesota. I just don’t think that R.arkansana can provide the resistance that is needed. In my opinion, we need to incorporate that resistance from a new species. There are seveal good species out there to use. I think we as breeders will just have to experiment with them to see which provides the best results.
Paul
Link: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/6594-06.html