Hi Jim: thanks for those nice pics, I appreciate your sharing the result. Your Mr. Lincoln looks great, I love that purple color. I did the same with molasses to deepen my pink blooms. Here's an excerpt from previous thread:

RE: This is for Carol, or PortlandMysteryrose

â¢Posted by Strawberryhill 5a IL (My Page) on
Sun, Jun 9, 13 at 14:44

On page 248 of Science book, see link below, in 1908 the Rhode Island Rose society did experiments of cut roses, and they found a 7 to 10% sugar solution improved the appearance of cut roses, plus deepened the colors of the pink varieties.

Which explains why Gardenville Sea Tea with molass deepened the colors of Serena's roses in KS, listed under Organic Honey-bees Garden profile in HMF.

Here is a link that might be useful: 1908 Rhode Island experiment with cut roses

â¢Posted by PortlandMysteryRose 8 (My Page) on
Sun, Jun 9, 13 at 15:03

"Thank you, Strawberry. My grandmom and mom taught me to use a little sugar and a tiny bit of lemon juice in cut flower vases." Carol.

***** From Strawberryhill: See below link for the pictures I posted in Organic Roses Forum: I made Angel Face rose turned deep purple, Evelyn deep pink, and Sonia Rykiel much deeper pink with molasses (slightly acidic).

Here is a link that might be useful: Molasses to deepen bloom colors

Neat color. Reminds me of Twilight Zone.

Thanks for info Strawberry...

Looks like Mr Lincoln is now Mr Ebb Tide, but still awfully gorgeous. I don't think I've tried the sugar trick on a dark one, but with lighter colored roses, I never noticed any darkening in color when sugar was added to their water. Diane

It looks more like Ebb Tide now! Does this sugar color change trick work only with cut flowers? Will it work with growing plants, like if you put a spoonful of sugar in your watering can and water them with it?

I love your rose. Are you sure it's 'Mr. Lincoln'. I've never seen him open like this.

Oh gorgeous!! I love that color!! I especially love the bloom on the left in the first picture.
Carol