New Dawn

Name: New Dawn rose

Description: New Dawn is a large- flowered climber that features fragrant double flowers. The blush-pink flowers appear primarily in spring. The foliage maintains a lustrous, dark green hue throughout the growing season. New Dawn has historical significance because it holds the first plant patent ever granted. It was introduced in 1930 by H. A. Dreer.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9a.

Culture: Grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Good air circulation is required for best results. Keep moist until established (usually requires one month to establish). Average water needs during growing season. Appears to tolerate highly saline irrigation water when drip irrigated.

Habit: Vigorous climber that grows 15-20 feet high and 10 feet wide.

In the landscape: It is often used to train up into a tree or on a wall or sturdy trellis. The canes can be heavy and hard to work with and will require strong support, but the resulting floral display is well worth the effort.

Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Earth-Kind rose program

Editor’s note: Both roses in this month’s Green Guides are part of the Earth-Kind rose program. The Earth-Kind designation is based on the results of extensive research and is awarded only to roses with superior pest tolerance and landscape performance. Earth-Kind roses do well in most soil types. Once established, these selections also have excellent heat and drought tolerance.