Our most popular plant category is roses and for good reason – everyone loves roses! This week we are featuring a new climbing rose that our rose lovers will adore -’Brite Eyes’. Bred by the famous Knockout rosarian William Radler, ‘Brite Eyes’ is virtually the most black spot resistant climbing rose ever introduced – requiring the least maintenance of any climbing rose.

‘Brite Eyes’ has single blooms that are salmon-pink with yellow centers and that emit a light pleasant fragrance. Expect several cycles of repeat blooms throughout the summer and into the autumn. It has a compact growth habit, reaching no more than 8 feet tall, which makes it perfect for the smaller garden. ‘Brite Eyes’ works well climbing on a trellis, an arbor or a fence. On fences, we suggest planting at every other fence post. Most trellises are 6 to 8 feet tall and most climbers grow 10 to 12 feet tall, requiring regular pruning to keep them in bounds. At 6 to 8 feet ultimate height, ‘Brite Eyes’ is a perfect low-maintenance trellis rose. ‘Brite Eyes’ is sufficiently winter-hardy and restrained in habit to be excellent for container use.

Planting and Care

• For best results plant in the spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.
• Plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil.
• Mulch well the first winter.
• Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.
• Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.
• Hardy in Zones 5-9 (possibly 4 with further testing).

Click here to view ‘Brite Eyes’ on the Carroll Gardens website.

William Baffin

There is no investment, for less money, that will so dramatically change the appearance of a garden or landscape than a properly placed climbing rose. You can probably recall any number of beautiful magazine images of sunny, rose-covered arbors or a rose-covered lattice framing at a home’s front door. Climbing roses are extremely versatile garden performers. You can choose to let them artfully climb vertical structures, leisurely tumble over a picket fence or carefully train them on horizontal fence rails to create a narrow hedge. This week we are featuring a climbing rose – William Baffin – the most reliable of all the medium to deep pink climbers.

William Baffin, a Canadian developed variety that is just about the best of the renowned Explorer series of roses, has been proven in thousands of gardens over many seasons for its colorful reblooming, low maintenance requirements, excellent disease resistance, unusual cold hardiness and salt tolerance. You will be rewarded with big color from clusters of up to 30, double, strawberry-pink 2 1/2 inch blooms that are moderately fragrant. Clusters of small orangeed hips follow in the autumn and remain into winter, until relished by the local bird population. Beautiful, glossy, green foliage that is totally resistant to diseases, acts as a backdrop for the blooms. William Baffin matures at 10-15 feet, making it ideal for a trellis or arbor. Although bred in Ontario Canada, William Baffin performs equally well as far south as Florida.

Planting and Care

• For best results plant in the fall or spring. Fall planting works particularly well with William Baffin.
• Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.
• Plant in well-drained, compost enriched soil.
• Mulch well the first winter.
• Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.
• Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.
• Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Click here to view William Baffin Climbing Rose on the Carroll Gardens website.

A Color Break-through in Climbers!

I can remember the excitement of the first lavender rose, ‘Sterling Silver,’ exactly 50 years ago. Everyone wanted one. It has taken a long time; but the lavenders have deepened to purple, especially in the last decade. Vigor, hardiness and disease resistance have also improved considerably. Finally we have a true claret purple climber. And it may just be the best purple rose of all – a truly distinctive addition to your garden.

‘Night Owl’ – a unique new climbing rose with extraordinary features:

Clusters of rich wine purple blooms with contrasting yellow stamens; a color like no other climber. The blooms do not fade even in the hottest of climates. Combines beautifully with the soft yellow climber, ‘Lemon Meringue’ or the deeper yellow ‘Autumn Sunset.’

Blossoms are very long-lived and repeat cycles come quickly and dependably.

Sweet fragrance is a combination of clove and spice.

Profuse foliage with exceptional disease resistance.

Prodigious, vigorous grower – up to 14 feet. Ideal for fences or large trellises. On fences, we suggest planting on every other, or possibly every 3rd fence post. Picture ‘Night Owl’ on a trellis against white or soft pastel-colored siding.

Unlike many climbing roses, ‘Night Owl’ should bloom the same year if planted in early spring.

Planting and Care

Hardy in Zones 5-9.

For best results plant in spring or fall.

Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil.

Mulch well the first winter.

Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.

Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.