New Generation Flower Carpet® Roses

Happy June everyone,
If only we could get some rain, this month would be great. Without it, gardens that I used to never water are thirstier than I ever remember seeing them.  It's dry out here in St Charles.  The river is down. My favorite lake, Nelson Lake, is looking quite shallow as I can see fish swimming from my view on the observation deck. The season started so early this year, and the drought and heat seem to be following.  I won't claim to know how low the water table is, but I would imagine it's below where it should be for mid June.  A lot of the roses peaked out at the end of May, but one group seems to be flourishing.  That is the Flower Carpet®.  Having been bred for the Australian heat, these plants have proven worthy of their drought tolerant status.

Flower Carpet® Amber

One of those unique colors that looks hot this time of the year.  As you can see in the photo, the flowers go from amber to light pink.   Amber has grown to 28" tall in the landscape and 40" wide.  En masse they are stunning.  Combining this variety with Vernonica 'Hocus Pocus' would make a stunning combination.




Flower Carpet® Pink Supreme
This is the improved version of the older Flower Carpet® Pink.  When I first saw this plant, I thought it was nearly the same.  Then I saw it perform.  While the old Pink was a great plant, this one is better.  The foliage stays super clean all season long while the older pink can sometimes look a little poor.  Flowering seems to be stronger as well.  I would like to see this with Achillea 'Moonshine' for contrast in color and flower shape.  The two could have a drought tolerant friendship.

Flower Carpet® Scarlet

I've liked this plant for some time.  When I look around the landscape, and especially when I first started doing the landscape here, it is planted frequently.  I first planted it with Solidago 'Fireworks', and created a combination that Ray Kroc would be thrilled with.  The combination of mustard and ketchup colors was fascinating to me.  Now, I think I would look for something like Calamintha nepeta ssp nepeta, to offset the orange-red color of this plant.

Staying short and sweet this week.  Let's start doing a rain dance everyone.  We need it desperately in these parts.  Until next time, have a great day and Happy Rose Month!