Saturday, November 12, 2011

Why aren’t you growing this plant?

Yesterday at the end of my “year of mornings” post I really wanted to include a few close ups of the Wingthorn Rose (Rosa sericea omeiensis f. pteracantha). This plant has been amazing all summer, especially in the early morning when the rising sun illuminates its huge blood-red thorns. In the last couple of months this tall straight stem has shot up, it dominates the view from our front door. I love this plant, yes even its small white flowers (it’s not blooming now; this is a photo from May). Since I have no desire to see it get large, and it’s the bright new growth I adore, I’ll cut it back in the spring. Here are a few photos of other plants I gaze out at every morning. So, why aren’t you growing a Wingthorn Rose?

10 comments:

  1. Cool shots!!! I've seen that kind of rose before. I thought the red was plastic so it was a shock to see that it's part of the plant!!! Heck that plant wouldn't need to flower for me. And love your castors.

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  2. A rose by any other name... would be as likely to claw out your eyes?! LOL

    This is a fascinating plant, one I'd never seen. It might not find a place in my very small garden, but the view you share of the morning sun shining through is just spectacular.

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  3. Why, indeed! It has been on my wish list for ages. I think you have just provided the tipping point.

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  4. That really is an amazing rose. I'm not growing it because I had never heard of it until a minute ago.

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  5. I've never heard of this rose before, very unique!

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  6. Rohrerbot, I felt the same way about the flowers and was actually kind of dreading them. But they are simple and sweet.

    Patricia, ha! You know by cutting it back in the spring it will stay very small...

    ricki, yay!!

    Lancashire rose, Lorene Edwards-Folkner had one growing in her West Seattle garden (on our Fling trip) I enjoyed watching so many people who had never seen it before discover it.

    Darla, it certainly does make a statement doesn't it?

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  7. I LOVE that Rosa Loree! I would grow it if I can source one. It's already on my plant wishlist after I saw it on one of your previous blog posts. Hopefully soon, cross fingers!

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  8. A friend whose opinion I usually listen to told me the Wingthorn does not like southern heat and humidity, but I think I would like to find out for myself.

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  9. I like how that rose is much like razor wire, but that blood-red color - no comment! Not that the other plant variety you show is not a mini botanic garden feast for the eyes...all the familiar and foreign textures you combine.

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  10. As an update, I just bought one (or rather two!). Thanks again for letting us know about this gorgeous rose :)

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