Rosa Cocktail planted in the San Marcos Growers garden.
This charming Meilland rose was created in 1957 by crossing the hybrid of Rosa 'Independence' (Orange-red & orange-red blend floribunda - 1951) and 'Orange Triumph' (Medium red floribunda- 1937) with Rosa 'Phyllis Bide' (A yellow/pink blend climbing polyantha/ rambler - 1923). Flowering continuously through summer, this bright rose has clusters of single golden-eyed cherry-red flowers that age so the red intensifies and the yellow fades to cream. The character of the plant is that of an upright shrub, 6 feet tall by 4 ft. wide, with thorny stems and numerous green, deeply serrated leaves. It can used as a hedging rose or can also be used as a stiff climber growing to 8 ft. or more supported by a fence or other plants. This tough disease resistant rose was once more common in gardens and is ready to make a comeback. A specimen of this rose once graced the fence near the back entrance to the nursery accounting office. Hardy to zones 4-9. Sadly we no longer grow this nice rose but may yet bring it back into production.
