Celebration of Roses, January 7: Dark Desire (KORdiagraf)

Link to HMF:  Dark Desire (KORdiagraf)

Acquired From: Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society Annual Sale. Palantine Roses carries it.

Own Root? Yes

Would I Grow Again? Yes

Notes: I remember when we had our rose sale for ABRRS, there were several Dark Desire roses on the lot and they went FAST. People were clamoring for it, especially after they breathed in the scent of the flowers, which by the way, last a really long time in the vase. This is a remarkably beautiful red rose, starting out with black buds, unfurling in shades of deep scarlet to rich magenta. It is highly fragrant and disease resistant. The canes are stiff and prickly and can grow in an strange manner–like it’s having a bad hair day. I’ve found that pruning hard in early spring is important to keep the overall shape unless you don’t mind a more wild look!