I spoke with top Southern California exhibitor Cal Hayes last night about this subject, and Cal states that anywhere from 27 to 45 petals is perfect for our climate.

I am not an expert in this area, but I thought I would pass along Cal's comments, FYI.

Thanks, Suzanne, for responding and asking Cal Hayes about it. I'm glad to hear that the petal count need not be as limiting as the 32 to 34, thought my garden was doomed :-). It's good to hear that Cal's experience indicate it could be more broad.

Actually, I think that this is a terrific question, and one that would be well addressed in Bob Martin's wonderful ARS publication, Rose Exhibitor's Forum.

I'll be seeing him this weekend and will mention it.

Hi Suzanne,

It was great meeting you (and other forum members) this weekend at judging school (thanks Bustopher for recommending I audit -- it was great!).

How was the testing?

Thanks for following up on the petal count question. I asked Bob Martin briefly about it and he says that especially for my garden in South Pasadena which is so close to his old stomping grounds, he stands by his 32-34 petal count. He did say that substance of particular cultivars is a factor. But I wished I had the opportunity to ask about what he has observed about lower petal count or higher petal count. Did he or your dinner party reveal anything interesting tidbit? Thanks.