Marin Rose Society - Rose of the Month

Queen Elizabeth
Rose of the Month For March, 2008
by Barbara Picarelli

I have had this rose for ages, have even moved it several times only to have it come back strong, vigorous and a continuous bloomer. Bred by Lammerts in 1954 it has become a staple in many gardens. Classed as a grandiflora, it certainly has a tall growth habit. My rose typically rises to 6 feet or more, with numerous blooms in a lovely clear pink. Blooms are of a 3-4 inch range of 35-38 petals, with high centers, borne singly and in clusters. The bush is upright, grows leathery, glossy, green foliage and does not have much disease. A product of ‘Charlotte Armstrong’ and ‘Floradora’ parentage, it has been the recipient of the President’s International Trophy NRS 1955, Hall of Fame WFRS 1978, and Gold Medal from Portland in 1954. While still readily available in many nurseries, did you know there is also a yellow ‘Queen Elizabeth’, and a white version? I recently acquired the yellow version from Sequoia Nursery prior to its closure.

Photo courtesy of Petaluma Rose Company.

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