Purple is a difficult colour in roses, people either seem to like it or not.
This month’s feature rose is one of the best purple roses around and worthy of a place in any garden.
Blackberry Nip is a deep purple rose that everyone should grow, whether it for the deep purple colour or for the powerful fragrance which attracts everyone to stop and have a smell. The blooms are produced singly and start with the traditional HT shape before opening out flat with a quartered appearance.
A medium growing rose to around 1.2m, the bushy plant fits into any garden or grow it on a standard. Generally trouble free although a little powdery mildew can make a presence if conditions are favourable. As suggested for the April Rose of the Month, purple and yellow or orange makes a striking and unusual combination if you are after something a little different for your garden.
Bred from Deep Secret x Old Port, it was the first commercial release of rose breeder Rob Somerfield from Tauranga who in recent years has produced many excellent roses. A Silver Star winner at the NZRS trial grounds in Palmerston North in 1998, it has become a favourite with rosarians everywhere and ranks as their 3rd most favourite rose for 2010/11.