A Rose that may not be a Rose

Forty-two years ago, two great rose breeders began a breeding programme with a rare plant called Hulthemia Persica, with a view to producing beautiful robust roses with a crimson heart at the centre of each flower. Although Hulthemia is arguably not a rose, it is a close relative and has proved to be a tough character, withstanding heat, drought and freezing. In the intervening years several hybrids have been produced, but this year’s trio, named The Persian Mystery Roses, have got the breeders, Harkness, very excited. They are repeat flowering, with rose-like foliage and each of the large flowers has the characteristic crimson hear. Alissar, Princess of Phoenicia and Persian Mystery are both in shades of pink while The Sun and the Heart is a beautiful soft yellow with crimson bases to the petals.