Rose of the Month ~ December 2003

Joseph's Coat

Winter is here in Zone 4, and many of us are dreaming of a white blanket to cover our tender roses. This month's Rose of the Month is one of those that could use a heavy blanket of snow. Joseph's Coat is a large flowered climber and many growers will bend the canes down close to the ground and cover with leaves for winter protection. Others like me just wish for heavy snow and cut back more in the spring. Either way it is a lovely rose worth the autumn effort. Joseph's coat was introduced in 1969 and is rated 7.5 by the ARS. It has semi-double blooms classified as red blend but as you can see from the photos the color varies quite a bit from pale yellow to orange to red. It is a vigorous plant growing 8-12 feet depending on the amount of winter dieback. Click the photos below to see a larger image and add your rating to our poll.

Photos and more information at helpmefind.com Photos and more information at everyrose.com