Outta the blue rose
Outta the Blue Rose: A Striking Blend of Unique Colors and Fragrance
Outta the Blue rose is a unique shrub with an eye-catching array of colors and an intoxicating fragrance. Bred by Tom Carruth and introduced by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc. in 2002, this variety is known for its bold mix of magenta, yellow, lavender, and blue hues. Its distinctive look and spicy, clove-like fragrance make it a standout addition to any garden.
A Burst of Unique Colors
What sets Outta the Blue Rose apart is its ever-changing color palette. The flowers start as a rich magenta with yellow undertones, eventually transitioning to deep lavender and blue shades. The blooms are medium to large, measuring around 4 to 4.5 inches in diameter, and feature an old-fashioned, full-petaled form with 40 to 50 petals per flower. The vibrant blend of colors and the fullness of the blooms give this rose a classic yet contemporary appeal.
Fragrance and Flowering
In addition to its striking colors, the Outta the Blue rose is also known for its powerful fragrance. The flowers emit a strong, clove and spice aroma that is refreshing and nostalgic. The fragrance, paired with the vivid bloom colors, makes this rose a sensory delight. Its flowers grow in clusters, blooming in flushes throughout the season, ensuring your garden remains lively and fragrant from spring through fall.
Growth Habit and Disease Resistance
The Outta the Blue rose grows as a medium shrub, reaching heights between 3 to 5 feet. Its upright and bushy form and deep green foliage provide a dense and visually appealing background for the vibrant flowers. This rose performs well in USDA zones 6b through 10b and is moderately resistant to disease, though it may experience blackspot in certain conditions.
This rose thrives in well-drained soil with total sun exposure. Regular deadheading encourages re-blooming, while light pruning enhances the plant’s appearance and health. With its strong vigor and ability to flower continuously, Outta the Blue makes an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, or as a cut flower.
Ideal for Gardens and Borders
Due to its bold color blend and vigorous growth, this rose is ideal for garden beds and borders, where it adds both structure and visual interest. Its unique appearance makes it a great conversation starter in any garden, and the constant flushes of blooms ensure your landscape remains colorful throughout the growing season.
This rose is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of purple, lavender, or uniquely blended hues. Its versatility also extends to its use as a cut flower, where it adds fragrance and charm to bouquets.
Characteristics of Outta the blue rose
- Color: Magenta blended with yellow, aging to shades of blue and lavender
- Bloom Size: 4 to 4.5 inches in diameter
- Petal Count: 40 to 50 petals
- Fragrance: Strong clove and spice scent
- Growth Habit: Medium, upright, bushy shrub
- Height: 3 to 5 feet
- Foliage: Deep green, matte foliage
- Bloom Season: Continuous flushes throughout the growing season
- USDA Zones: 6b to 10b
- Disease Resistance: Good resistance, but susceptible to blackspot in some conditions
- Uses: Garden beds, borders, cut flowers
- Pruning: Light pruning improves bloom frequency and appearance
History and Breeding
The Outta the Blue rose was bred by renowned hybridizer Tom Carruth and introduced to the public in 2002. It is a cross between ‘Stephen’s Big Purple’ and a hybrid derivative of Rosa soulieana. This unique parentage contributes to the rose’s distinctive blend of colors and its robust fragrance. The variety was designed to offer a colorful and fragrant option for home gardeners, and it has since become a beloved choice for those who appreciate roses with bold character.
Conclusion
With its vivid mix of magenta, yellow, lavender, and blue, the Outta the Blue rose is perfect for gardeners seeking something different. Its rich fragrance and old-fashioned bloom form give this rose both aesthetic appeal and sensory enjoyment. Whether you’re adding it to a garden bed or border or cutting it for a floral arrangement, this rose will provide continuous beauty and interest throughout the season.
