Based on your opinion, and local environment: What ONE rose (with the same or near qualities as KO) ruled the rose industry?
Iceberg round here, and still does!
In my tiny micro-industry, Morden Blush very briefly ruled as one of the first with heavy repeat, charming blossoms, and winter hardiness. But once the blackspot found it and Morden Centennial we were out of luck. I found myself without a “go to” rose for landscaping. The original KO isn’t hardy here, so it remains to be seen what will rise to the top, but I have hopes for Double KO and some of the other Radler roses as they may be sufficiently hardy if planted deep.
Carefree beauty was planted a lot around here before its offspring ko took over.
Iceberg and Carefree Beauty were, and still are planted a lot around here. Carefree Delight was planted a lot but when Knock Out became popularized, it fell to the wayside. Red Ribbons is planted in large drifts in a number of developments, and I have seen both Seafoam and The Fairy in large amounts in some public areas. Alongside freeways there are quite a few Rosa Banksiae lutea (dbl) esp., in the inland where it gets hot-it is just cranking out blooms right now, so it is easy to spot.
When I started growing roses, which was about 12 years ago, Explorers were recommended.
Around here I’d have to say the J&P Simplicity series were the most popular landscape roses. Then Carefree Wonder was big for a while too. Now you can’t even find them because everyone only carries KOs.
I forgot Bonica. Still see hedges of it occasionally, really looks good in the spring, but KO seems to be replacing it.
Dah! “Simplicity” was a great front-runner before KO - How could I have forgotten. Thanks!
I’m glad Simplicity was good somewhere. Here, it defined “RUST”.
OH, yes, Bonica was very popular too. Never forget the time I saw an entire hurricane fenced yard lined with them all in bloom. Gorgeous!!!
I didn’t say they were healthy here, Kim, just that they were popular, lol!
I guess we’re fortunate. Bonica is bullet proof here. An amazing plant which just happens to be a beautiful rose. Bonica in Old Orchard garden.
Bonica really does put Simplicity to shame, doesn’t it!
Around these parts, in every sense of the word!
Pretty sure Carefree Beauty and people’s blind adherence to hybrid teas and floridibundas
‘Peace’ ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and ‘Tropicana’ in particular.
Peace, Mr. Lincoln, Oklahoma, Mirandy, Chrysler Imperial, Pink Peace, pretty much the $1.99 non patent bare root selection you could find at most grocery stores and all home improvement centers, still can to a large degree. Just run through any pre 1975 Armstrong or J&P catalog and you’ll see them.