Unknown rose in the Caribbean

last year

This rose arrived 7 weeks ago in a small pot. A birthday gift. It traveled from the living room to the dining table, and later to the veranda. 4 weeks ago, it was placed in the ground. No rosarians are on site. Closeby weeds are sporadically cleared. Some pistachio shells (Costco Kirkland Signature, shipped there by barrel) have been scattered underneath. Spent blooms have been clipped. It’s rainy season there. Dewpoint constantly in the 70s. No other care.

I’m told it’s about 2 feet tall now. Thornless or virtually thornless. Bud production has continued unabated since arrival. The gift giver, supposedly a gardener, has no idea what is its name or class.

Any ideas? These photos are from the last few days. I can request more photos, if needed.

Featured Answer

rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
Original Author

last year

I have a lot to learn about rose foliage. Aside from rugosa and wichurana type foliage, everything else is lumped together in my mind. I know zip about antique roses.

I like the bloom, Moses, but it’s the foliage’s health that really got my attention. And in continuously hot, humid and wet. Granted, it’s only been in the ground a bit more than a month. Maybe black spot doesn’t like nighttime lows in the upper 70s. Or maybe it’s not there - doubtful though. My contact, who has a degree of anosmia, reports “no scent detected” from the first blooms.

That’s a white bougainvillea, judi. I had to ask.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
Original Author
last year
From 12 days ago:
jerijen
last year
Too soon to tell, I'd say, but perhaps a Floribunda?
rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ) thanked jerijen
Related Professionals
Bangor Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Carbondale Landscape Contractors · Saint Cloud Landscape Contractors · Santa Maria Landscape Contractors · Odessa Landscape Contractors · Longview Landscape Contractors · Cincinnati Home Builders · Woodward Home Builders · Montrose Home Builders · Cincinnati Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Galveston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jamestown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cambridge Landscape Contractors · Hattiesburg Home Builders · Dallas Home Builders
catspa_zone9sunset14
last year
For a start, take a look at "Bermuda Spice" on HelpMeFind: https://helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.5925.2&tab=1. The HMF description says it has few or no prickles/thorns and the leaves and flowers are similar, too.
rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ) thanked catspa_zone9sunset14
rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
Original Author
last year
Yes, could be, catspa.

Jeri, I wondering why you said maybe floribunda. I was thinking it was a rose class that I don’t have experience with; one which doesn’t do well up here. But just now I spotted a second bud, unopened, arising from the same tip as the opening bud - in my second photo. I presume this is what made you consider floribunda. Good eye. I had missed that.
Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
last year
last modified: last year
@catspa_zone9sunset14 is onto something. When it settles in well, with the blooms coming from a more mature bush, and the scent is 'strong pepper, spice', I bet it turns out to be Bermuda Spice (HMFR reference). Good detective work, @catspa_zone9sunset14!

Moses.
Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
last year
last modified: last year
Foliage looks healthy, no black spot. Earth Kind roses, which our mystery rose may be a member of that august assemblage, are generally unaffected by BS. This being a further clue in the puzzle.

Moses.
jerijen
last year
FWIW, This doesn't look like a typical China Rose to me. I mean -- the foliage looks more modern, which Is why I thought Floribunda.
judijunebugarizonazn8
last year
I don’t have a clue which rose this is, but I did notice that cool looking white flowering plant in the background in the very first photo. Rifis, what is it?
Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6
last year
last modified: last year
Rifis,

Must have rained intensely to knock down the bougainvillea flowers so badly!

Who knows how that rose made its way to the Islands? Or I should ask, more correctly, "the parent of the young cutting grown (assumed), bush". I hope it gets adequate care...looks like it is making strides so far.

Moses.