All-America Rose Selections Winners for 1999

The four are available now through the beginning of February at nurseries everywhere. Bare-root season is a boon to home gardeners in that you can choose dormant deciduous plants, such as roses, grapes and fruit/shade trees in their "barest" form. Specifically, these plants are sold without benefit of soil or containers, so, consequently, they're cheaper. While not much to look at now, new growth will soon form.

The 1999 rose honorees include "Candelabra," "Kaleidoscope," "Fourth of July" and "Betty Boop." All were evaluated by rose experts during rigorous trials across the U.S. They were dubbed the best for 15 traits, including color, fragrance, disease resistance, bud and flower form, vigor, hardiness, growth habit and foliage. AARS has been awarding All-Americas since 1938.

-- "Candelabra" -- This majestic grandiflora rose features a blend of coral and orange flowers that appear to flicker brightly. The 4-inch flowers are lightly scented and bloom in large clusters. The disease-resistant plant grows to 5 feet. It was hybridized from a combination of "Tournament of Roses" and an unnamed seedling.

-- "Kaleidoscope" -- This is a landscape shrub with toasty tan and lavender flowers that shift to lavender and pink creating a prism of color variations across a 4-foot plant. The pointed buds open to reveal 3-inch flowers with a slight scent. It was hybridized from a cross of "Pink Pollyanna" and "Rainbow's End."

-- "Fourth of July" -- This is the first climber to win the AARS award in 23 years. It reaches skyward with a burst of color just like fireworks. This velvety red and white striped climber features long canes and glossy, dark green foliage. It is a cross between "Roller Coaster" and "Altissimo."

-- "Betty Boop" -- This ivory yellow floribunda has red-edged flowers that bloom in brightly colored clusters. The 4-inch flowers are large for floribunda-type roses. The plant offers a moderately fruity, sweet fragrance, a la her namesake: Betty Boop. It is a naturally rounded medium to tall plant. It was hybridized between "Playboy" and "Picasso."

There four are just a few of dozens of roses available in bare-root form through the beginning of February. If you would like a free brochure on the 1999 AARS winners, send a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to All-America Rose Selections, Dept. 99, 221 N. LaSalle, Suite 3500, Chicago, IL., 60601.

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