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Help me ID a lost rose

6 years ago

Hello,

I need some help IDing this rose that my mother had for many years, but lost a couple years ago. She said she thinks she ordered it from a catalogue in the 90s, but can't remember the name. The blooms were a dark red, even in the heat, and they did not fade to pink. It also had a very strong, deep fragrance. It did very well here in South Texas despite heat and drought. Any help would be appreciated.




Thank you

Comments (25)

  • 6 years ago

    Looks like Oklahoma to me.

  • 6 years ago

    I originally thought so too, but I planted an Oklahoma last year and it was not as dark or as fragrant; also Oklahoma fades a little bit in the heat here.

  • 6 years ago

    The pictures may not show it, but it is an upright-growing rose, not particularly bushy like Crimson Glory. I've seen Mister Lincoln at stores and its blooms seem to fade to a pinkish color; this one stays dark. I think Mirandy and Papa Meilland are good contenders, especially Papa Meilland. Thank you for the suggestions!

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    My Oklahoma is extremely dark and fragrant and looks just like your photos, On of the most fragrant in my garden sweet old rose scent.

  • 6 years ago

    Barkarole was available from Jackson Perkins in the mid 90s (as "Taboo"). Its fragrance is moderate, not strong. Upright; not bushy. Can get tall. Stays dark for me.

  • 6 years ago

    My vote goes with Taboo as well

    I don't blame your mother for wanting to replace that rose. the color is exceptional !

  • 6 years ago

    Chrysler Imperial?

    Carla in Sac

  • 6 years ago

    It doesn't look like Oklahoma to me. The petal shape seems wrong. The petals on mine reflex to an almost squared off shape. I thought maybe Uncle Joe (Toro) at first but that can get a pinkish look sometimes. I don't recall Chrysler Imperial being that blackish red. I think Barkarole is a closer match.

  • 6 years ago

    We actually have a Toro, and that one doesn't make as many blooms at once and has more petals with a tighter bloom. Barkarole certainly has the color, but the blooms look slightly different? Also I read that it is nearly thornless, and I remember our bush having about an average amount of thorns. Chrysler Imperial seems to be a bit pinker.

  • 6 years ago

    Another vote for Oklahoma. It's a perfect match.


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Whatever it is, its gorgeous! I always thought Oklahoma was more of a true red vs a dark red. If that's Oklahoma, I better go back to WM and grab one of those body bags I saw afew wks ago.

    I have Mr Lincoln and it does get pink in the heat and the blooms are different.

  • 6 years ago

    Taboo seems like it would be a good replacement, but doesn't seem readily available. If anyone knows where to get one, besides Palatine where it's sold out, let me know!

  • 6 years ago



    I can't believe I got this to work finally. The above is a picture of a shot of the Oklahoma I had years ago. Barkarole/Taboo descriptions in Modern Roses XI and Xii do not exactly match each other. The best I can figure from them is that the petal count on the Barkarole flowers is 25 to 40. Oklahoma can run up to about 50. Also, Barkarole's prickles/thorns are curved downward. I grew Barkarole in PNW, and I saw its growth habit as somewhat spreading, but all the stems grew straight up and tall. The flowers were fairly large, but I did not see exhibition form in the same way you might see it on Moonstone, for example, with a high, pointed center. It was somewhat flat across the top, not unlike Black Magic. The center of the bloom in the single bloom shot above is sunk and not high, and that is why I am wondering if maybe it might be Mirandy, but again it is hard to tell. Check for fragrance. Taboo/Barkarole is supposedly a sweet, citrus fragrance according to the description. If it is a damask smell like Chrysler Imperial and its kids, Mister Lincoln, Papa Meilland, and Oklahoma, it is probably not Barkarole. Mirandy's petal count should be around 45, and it is also a parent of Chrysler Imperial. I don't know if any of this will help, but I thought I would throw it in and stir the pot a bit.

    Catherine 9aTX thanked the_bustopher z6 MO
  • 6 years ago

    This is quite helpful. I do think it had a more damask scent, and it was definitely heavy. I suppose I can try to grow an Oklahoma to compare, as I've seen those in the stores readily available.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Taboo is my best guess.

    I agree with Seil that something about the petals (note the edges/tips in all images) that does not appear to be quite right for Oklahoma.

    Oklahoma showing its one season a year coloring...


  • 6 years ago

    Oh, gorgeous, Lynn. Now I want to grow Taboo. I haven't read anything from you in a while. How are you doing in Texas? Diane

  • 6 years ago

    Catherine, you will love Oklahoma even if it isn't the same rose

    It is gorgeous and smells great to boot

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Hi Diane! In the past, I ordered and have grown Black Magic instead of Taboo, and do not remember why, but continued to covet Taboo.

    I have been very busy but have read threads here and there.

    Texas has been great! With the exception of not needing to water plants as often, growing roses was easier in Las Vegas. The roses I have right now are growing in pots, which really is not my forte.

  • 3 years ago

    I have looked for a Barkarole and a Taboo (as some plants seem to have small differences between breeders) I've also looked for a black velvet, to no avail. Palentine is always sold out, other than overseas, there aren't many growers anymore. If anyone here is a hobby grower for additional personal plants I would love to speak to you about even well rooted cuttings.

  • 3 years ago

    @D D At this point, it appears there are no American sources for 'Taboo/Barkarole', nor do I see 'Black Velvet' on anyone's inventory list. However, you will occasionally find 'Crimson Glory' available here in the US. Burlington Roses has it listed on 2022's Availability List, so I suggest you contact Burling and inquire. 'Crimson Glory' is probably as close as you're going to get, unless someone sees this post and has cuttings to offer. Alternatively, 'Deep Secret' isn't a bad choice for richly scented deep reds. Honestly, 'Mister Lincoln' is a great option as well, and should be much easier to source.

  • 3 years ago

    Palatine carries Black Caviar (Astrid Grafin von Hardenberg), and she bears some resemblance to your mystery rose. BC is gorgeous. Unfortunately, she's sold out. She is a Tantau rose which was hybridized in Germany. I don't think any place on this side of the Atlantic sells her but Palatine. There's always next year. Diane

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Freedom Gardens will custom propagate this rose.he gros it as avGH

    Catherine 9aTX thanked Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
  • 3 years ago

    Thanks everyone for the ideas. I was able to order two Taboo/Barkarole from Palatine this year, and a Queen Bee and Velvet Fragrance from Heirloom. I also got an Oklahoma a couple years ago but it hasn't really taken off yet. Europeana is doing well for me but has no scent. Time will tell if they can survive the heat down here.