From the Antique Rose Emporium:
“Rose Rosette Disease continues to be a concern. We think laughter is the best medicine; Our rose, Lafter, that is! In fact, we are thrilled to offer three roses which have been shown to be resistant to Rose Rosette Disease thus far. Fill your prescription today with a dose of Caldwell Pink, Lafter or our repeat blooming Swamp Rose. Any of these are sure to improve your color!”
Can anyone verify that these 3 varieties have shown resistance? Got a paper for us Henry?
Interesting. A reblooming palustris? Interesting.
Lafter seems cool, too. That’s just the type of blossom that I like.
I’m not really on top of things at all, but this is the first I’ve heard of any of the listed roses being resistant to RRD.
“The approximately 70 roses thrived with almost no care until recently. In late 2014, rose rosette disease was identified on all the roses except the Lafter.”
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/northeast-tarrant/article26556523.html
Please note that this was a 2014 report.
Lafter, from my experience, is an exceptional rose - I highly recommend trying it. I have never seen RRD on it despite all of its neighbors having it. It also has shown superior resistance to black spot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. It is an upright and tall grower, about 6 feet when established, in Central Iowa - this is after it dies back so I imagine that it could get a lot taller in warmer areas.
It is a good breeder too. Can be used as a seed or pollen parent but you will get better numbers as pollen - seeds are large and the hips will contain between 1 and 10. Its seeds will take a little bit of time to germinate (about 2-3 weeks longer than other varieties). I have gotten mostly singles to semi-doubles in yellows, oranges, and apricots. Seedlings do inherit good disease resistance from it.
Thanks Andre for that info. I might have to try it. The blossoms, from pics, are one of my favorite blossom types–semi double, peachy yellow.