..if I couldn't decide, then I think I'd have to get both, but of the two I only have Desdemona... I think if only one I'd probably go for ORA because of its reputation. Desdemona isn't perfect by any means, but it's probably the best white..
My vote is for Olivia Rose Austin. I have Desdemona as well which is a lovely rose, but I think Olivia has more wow factor. Make sure you put 3 in that pot as per DA’s gardening technique 😛 That’s a joke just in case it isn’t obvious 😛
Hips were not produced on Lyda as I deadheaded her regularly.. these must have escaped my eyes.. Any chance to get a seed at this stage. The colour is green and I am not sure if the hips are mature enough to be harvested for seeds.. Given that they had formed late into the season, I doubt they would have any seeds at this stage.. or should I leave them longer...
I hope you, your family and roses are settling in well @cooldoc. I will be very interested in your replies. As you know last year I had viable seed in a hip that was totally brown and hanging off a November bareroot purchase. This year I have nothing as mature as that.
I was disappointed to receive a call from Peter Beales to say that Mutabilis was out of stock and did I want to substitute still getting the benefit of the original discount. I had to think on my feet and chose @Marlorena's lovely Wild Rover.
...delighted you got Wild Rover @tack hope it does well for you too.. sorry you couldn't get Mutabilis,.. I think they may sell potted specimens of that in May..
@cooldoc ok, I don't do seeds so others may correct, but I gather a hip needs to stay on the bush in excess of 100 days, just over 3 months, by which time it will have turned dark orange/red, and with winter conditions would have stratified outdoors.. otherwise they need to spend a few weeks in the fridge.. if timing is right I think about February should be good, but if left too long it turns to mush..
Posts
The pink flowers of ORA are just lovely — here’s an old post of mine: https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/comment/2410417#Comment_2410417
😱
@cooldoc
ok, I don't do seeds so others may correct, but I gather a hip needs to stay on the bush in excess of 100 days, just over 3 months, by which time it will have turned dark orange/red, and with winter conditions would have stratified outdoors.. otherwise they need to spend a few weeks in the fridge.. if timing is right I think about February should be good, but if left too long it turns to mush..