Rose of the Month

By Karen Radde, Consulting Rosarian

I’d like to introduce- A Lady

‘Lady of Megginch’, that is. I first saw this rose last year during a visit to the David Austin Nursery in the United Kingdom. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by all of the delicious and delightful roses blooming in great profusion in the gardens and in the sales area. In spite of being surrounded by all the colors and fragrances, I kept returning to one rose- a new offering in 2007 in the UK. I only hoped that it would soon be offered in the US. I hovered so long over the sales table containing ‘The Lady’ that a salesperson cut a huge blossom and gave it to me. I think that she felt sorry for me as I expressed my sadness at being able to see all the lovely roses but not purchase any to take home in my luggage. The deep pink bloom, with just a hint of coral and the most complex fragrance traveled with us for several days, into and out of the car and hotels, until it finally had to be discarded.

Austin describes ‘The Lady’ as a large, full, cup-shaped flower of approximately 100 petals. The buds, before opening, are shorter and very round. The fragrance is described as a “good, fruity Old Rose fragrance with a definite hint of raspberry.” Perhaps that is why I was drawn to this rose. I am not good at describing the subtleties of fragrance, but I do love raspberries- both color and smell. This rose does remind me of a huge, ripe raspberry!

Austin also suggests that this rose would be “useful to create some excitement in a border of soft color.” Since I love soft colors punctuated with some pizzazz, it seems another reason I was drawn to the unusual and brighter color. Parentage is only listed as “seedling x seedling”. What a lucky cross!

Imagine my great delight when I opened the newest Austin catalogue and found ‘The Lady of Megginch’ offered this year in the US. Unfortunately, even though I ordered early, they were sold out!!! Nonetheless, she is still tops on my “Want” list. I will order even earlier next year in hopes of having this Lady for a friend in my garden.

Photos courtesy of Brigaitta (first) and David Radde