The record snows this year crushed my knockout roses, so, since I wasn't thrilled with the color I chose anyway, I'm ripping them out.

I used to know someone who had a vivid violet rugosa rose she obtained from a roadside in Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket (I don't remember.) It was perfect for purple-obsessed me. Does anyone know of this rose or know how I can get some? Or, has anyone tried J&P Lavender Simplicity Hedge Rose?

I don't want anything FUSSY. I strongly prefer anything that leans toward purple, though a pink will suffice if my search falls through....

Thank you in advance!

Ann

I wouldn't grow a Simplicity again. Some have said that Lavender Simplicity is disease resistant, but I don't have first-hand knowledge. Purple/lavender is hard to find in a disease resistant rose. Not knowing what area of the country you are in (7A isn't enough), it is hard to tell what might work.

I'm in Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay.

Both of those roses are gorgeous---I think I'd be happy with either one!

I was suspicious of Simplicity only because I used to grow hybrid teas and I know how hard lavenders are to grow. The first hurdle is trusting their photos, and the 2nd hurdle is getting it to thrive.

I'll read about both of these and try to make a decision!

Thank you so much,

Ann

I can't really help answer your question, but was curious.

I think we are in the same zone...how do you know they are "crushed"? Just asking...I'm fairly new to all of this but planted several knockouts last spring/summer. Was looking them over this weekend and wondering if they were ok or not and how to help them... They look pretty sad, but didn't know if that was normal or not.

Best of luck with your new plants!

Belcantocanto,
The main branches on mine are broken due to 2 + 2 feet of snow. I admit that if I loved them, I'd probably just prune them and let them re-grow, but I was never thrilled with the color, so now is my chance (my excuse) to start over.

If the branches on yours aren't broken, you should be fine. If they are broken, you can try just trimming them up and see what happens!

Good luck,

Ann

There are also lavender roses that are just beautiful! As you may have guessed, I share your lavender/purple obsession :)

Try Rogue Valley Roses-on their website, they list roses by color, shade tolerant, zone, etc. You might also look at Northland Rosarium. They have some spectacular rugosa roses and a beautiful photo of an Indigo rose (under old fashioned roses/portlands). I bought two based on that picture alone...and portlands rebloom!

Good luck with your search. Oh, and also check out Lavender Lassie and Excellenz von Schubert on the Rogue Valley Roses website. They both look lavender, but Lavender Lassie has 3" blooms, while Excellenz von Schubert has smaller blooms. Have fun :)