Very beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Any theories as to it's true identity? Seems like the helpmefind page needs an update. The plant description is from 2007 and states "we are still in the discovery phase" of its growth habit.

-Chris

Yes, Chris. I have thought about that, but I have only recently felt I had something to contribute to that.

Are there others here who grow "Benny Lopez" who have opinions on size and habit?

Gorgeous rose! Thanks for sharing Jeri!

Jeri, can you post a pic of the entire bush?

Jackie

Jackie -- I would give a false impression

I have two bushes. One has been in place for years, but grows in too much shade, and has always remained small and somewhat upright.

The other has been on the hillside for a year. It is 3X the size of the older one, growing in full sun. It's developing a handsome arching, spreading habit, but it is far from mature. Ask me in a couple of years.

That's why I asked if others had mature plants.

Oh, and Chris asked about identity. No one has as yet had a concrete suggestion. The most I can say is that the site where "Benny Lopez" was found had been orchard land, and was quite near to the location of Fr. George Schoener's nursery in Santa Barbara, CA.

No other suggestions obtaining, I think there is at least a chance that this is something Fr. Schoener either carried in his nursery, or perhaps brought in to use in his breeding program. So, like "Grandmother's Hat," it may just be a rose to be cherished under its study name.

Yes, it is more important that great roses are grown, spread around, and available, even if we never find out what their original names/origins are. I look forward to seeing your bush when it is mature, Jeri.

Jackie

A beauty!