Celebration of Roses, January 2: Ballerina
Link to HMF: Ballerina
Acquired From: Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Annual Sale. Heirloom Roses also carries it.
Own Root? No
Would I Grow Again? Possibly
Notes: This is such a popular rose. My only issue with ‘Ballerina’ was it’s susceptibility to blackspot. It created some unsightliness on the plant. I would consider growing it again, however, as an own-root rose and in a container where I can enjoy it up close because the flowers were stunning. They also made a wonderful cut flower for arrangements lasting for days and days. Do you grow ‘Ballerina’? How does it fare in your garden?
I love ballerina! I have it own root from Jackson Perkins think I’ve had about five years now. I’ve never had issue with black spot with it even though some of my other roses get black spot. She’s so pretty and I normally don’t care for roses with minimal petals. I’m probably a little biased because I love the name though as well it’s kind of like when you go to pick paint chips you may not like the color but the name is so intriguing you almost want to get that color paint anyway! I maybe biased because ofthe name though as well, it’s kind of like when you go to pick a paint color. you may not like the color but the name is so intriguing you almost want to get that color paint anyway! lol
Gosh isn’t that the truth about names for roses (and paint)?! I think some distributors should really pay more attention to what they’re naming their plants since so many of us are emotional shoppers. 😉
Ballerina is a favorite. I grow Red Ballerina, or, Marjorie Fair, with my Ballerinas. It’s interesting to me that as similar as they are, they are in two different classes. Mine have stayed smallish, so I’m upping my feeding routine this year in hopes they grow a bit. I usually steer away from polyantha type roses because of the tedious deadheading, but with these, you can just snip off the whole cluster.
I agree! Also with one snip you’ve got an instant bouquet. I love the look of Marjorie Fair…one that’s been on my wishlist for a while.