I've been looking for this -- the first rose flower bud of 2012. This definitely lifts the spirits after a cold and wet winter through early spring. Today, we give special recognition to the 'Queen Elizabeth' seedling whose birthday was March 8, 2009. The first photo below shows the plant's first bloom, which fully opened on July 4, 2009 ( good fireworks). The second photo shows today's first flower bud -- you'll see it in the center of the photo. The third photo shows the proud rose bush today, standing 3½ feet tall just 3 years and 1 month after its birthday.
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| July 4, 2009 |
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| April 11, 2012 |
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| April 11, 2012 |
Update of May 19, 2012: In just five weeks, the rose bush is another foot taller and is showing several very pretty blooms. Three new basal canes are developing very nicely, as this rose bush is showing some of the vigor of its seed parent -- 'Queen Elizabeth'. Also, remember that with rose seedlings, there is no mistaken identity over what are "basal breaks" versus what are suckers from a root stock.
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| May 19, 2012 |
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| May 19, 2012 |
Update of May 23, 2012: This would be a good place to sneak in a photo of the author of this blog, Mike. Here I am, out standing in my field, or is it outstanding in my field ? You might recognize the rose bush as the same one pictured above.
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| May 23, 2012 |
