While we’re at it, two more no-goes

Royal Colors has certainly been on a roll with the novel offerings. Two that grabbed my attention this season did so for the same reason. In trying to verify their names, no registry information could be found for either. Emaryllis loves a mystery. The problem is, that without a  proper name Emaryllis policy would be violated in placing their profiles into the Photo Library. Even aside from that issue, these two also did not produce flowers that would show what they could really do had they been well established at flowering. ‘Ste. Anne la Palud’ would appear to be a robust rose hybrid with abundant tepaloids and heavy substance. Even if it does improve its performance, it enters a crowded field in this color class, and will need something special to make it really stand out. Let’s give it another year.

Another peculiar offering was ‘Jewel of the Night’, which seems intriguing for its deep and dark flowers, and again, a lack of registry information. Since a photo of ‘China Town’ was used briefly to sell another offering (‘Palermo’) it has made me suspect that perhaps that is what this selection may turn out to be. It is smaller flowered, with pointed tepals and a nice silky sheen. While difficult to photograph accurately, it is probably the very darkest red of any cultivar witnessed to date. In lower light, it can indeed appear an inky black-red. Whatever it turns out to be, it has found a place to stay while the name gets sorted out.