WHAT: The rose Graham Thomas was introduced to much fanfare in 1983 by the famed English rose breeder David Austin. Few roses were available with the rich pure dark yellow of Graham Thomas.
Its reblooming characteristics and fragrance set the rose world on its ear, and it was praised as “unequalled.”
This rose is deeply cupped as it opens but develops into a wide, many-petalled bloom that contrasts well with the glossy dark green foliage.
Named for the late English horticulturalist, author and botanical artist Graham Stuart Thomas, it was voted as the World’s Favorite Rose in 2009 by 41 member countries that comprise the World Federation of Rose Societies.
Although Thomas died before the award was given, it is a fitting honor to the man who saved old heritage roses from extinction after World War II and worked for years to breed the deep yellow color into the modern flowers that we enjoy today.
SUN OR SHADE: Six hours of full sun is ideal for most roses.
SIZE: The published size is 5 feet high by 4 feet wide, but in the Pacific Northwest climate it easily reaches 8 to 9 feet high. If a shorter shrub is desired, this rose can be maintained at 5 or 6 feet by keeping it trimmed back during the blooming season as it is dead-headed.
SEE IT: At the WSU Snohomish County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Jennings Memorial Park, in the Rose Garden, 6915 Armar Road, Marysville.
Source: Sandra Schumacher
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