I would suggest a couple of options for this, for what they are worth. I would write ARS for a determination of just what the classification of that rose should be. It might be that the hybridizer changed his mind and wanted it left as a floribunda since it is up to the hybridizer to decide what the rose is. Anything is possible. The other possibility is to just not show it until the dust settles. Keep it in your garden for your own enjoyment until you can get a final determination from ARS as to what the fate of this rose should be. You might have to show it by its code name of HARpillar. Realistically I think that the most recent publication on this rose from ARS is the official word, and you would probably have to show it as a floribunda.

As I have explained to Ron, as part of our research for Modern Roses 12 we went back and checked all the published registration records from the past. When we did, we found Olive had been registered as a Shrub. We contacted Harkness to ask if they had ever requested a change in the registration to floribunda. They assured us they had not made such a request at any time. Thus the registered classification of Olive is Shrub, and the ARS has no authority to overrule the hybridizer and change it. That is why Olive was listed in the 2007 Official List as a Shrub and why it will be listed as a Shrub in Modern Roses 12.

We have no idea how the classification got off the track some time in the past, since we weren't involved at that point. A good guess is that someone saw it being sold as a floribunda and thought they should change the classification in ARS publications. However, this was an error as the hybridizer did not request this change, and only the hybridizer can do so. In any case, we now have the classification of Olive back where it belongs, and it must be shown as a Shrub.

For ARS members benefit, it might give some thought to the following proposal. Bob Martin planted the seed by suggesting changes to roses are put on hold for several years, giving the public time to adjust. While the idea has merit is not very practical for various reasons, from database confusion to various rose publications.

ARS âÂÂRose magazines âÂÂRose Registrationâ column was established ONLY to provide information to the ARS members on new registrations, not to service exhibitors. Now they cut that to six issues. Typical to ARS Handbook, primarily for new rose growers looking for roses that will grow well in their garden, not for exhibitors per se.

The reason Olive was not in the Rose magazines âÂÂRose Registrationâ column, is because it was registered as a shrub, and not a change in registration, or a new registration. After approximately 25 years registered as a floribunda by ARS, it would only seem fair members are advised of a change in the âÂÂRoseâ magazine.

The question ARS should ask itself, exactly what publication comes with membership in ARS, keeping itâÂÂs members up to date on a timely basis? None. While computers are the wave of the future, members without one, no longer can depend on ARS publications and must purchase the OL and MR 12, even they are not up to date.

Would suggest when a change in a roses status takes place that prior to DQ the rose, a change is noted in an official ARS publication members receive as part of being an ARS member. ItâÂÂs been said why be a ARS member, when additional publications must be purchased to exhibit your roses.