I lost my entire rose collection and private germplasm during the 2020–2021 COVID and Texas freeze years and am finally getting back into hybridizing. I won’t be chasing R. bracteata, but I do expect to emphasize climbers. My goal is to produce roses that will thrive in Zone 9a (College Station) and exhibit disease resistance, fragrance, and season-long bloom production, in that order.
My hunch is that the “Knock Out effect” has led to a much stronger emphasis on disease resistance in newer introductions. I’d love to hear recommendations for proven fertile breeders released in the last 15 or so years that I should consider acquiring. They don’t have to be climbers—any rose that is a good seed or pollen parent and transmits good health with decent fragrance and rebloom is of interest.
Thanks,
RBx