30 years ago, a rose was released that caused a bit of a stir in the world of roses because of its name.
This month we feature it as one of the best floribunda roses of all time and one that even those with a passing knowledge of roses even know about!
“How could they name a rose like that” was commonly heard at the time. We can only be talking about ‘Sexy Rexy’, one of the most popular floribunda roses and still widely grown around the world today. It’s reputation is also down to its sheer flower power with a mass of pale pink blooms being produced. It can be a bit slow to repeat but is a sight in full bloom. In the garden, it is a medium growing bushy plant that also is great grown as a standard. Generally trouble free, black spot can show up when conditions are right.
‘Sexy Rexy’ is named after an old friend of its breeder, our own SamMcGredy. The name was originally a nickname when it was being tested as a seedling and stuck. A multiple award winner around the world including the top award at the New Zealand Rose Society trials in Palmerston North in 1984. Bred from ‘Seaspray’ x ‘Dreaming’, its reputation has also been forged as a parent to many newer roses over the years and is a good rose to start breeding with, even though it can produce a lot of similar roses in the pink and white shades.
One worth growing and bound to be grown for a long time yet!
I was wondering if it is possible to buy a Sexy Rexy rose, I realise its late in the season.
A friend of mine Rex has died and would love to be able to buy her a rose to remember him by.
Thanks
Angela
Try Tasman roses you can order but they will likely send your rose out near August?
Hello I live in Melbourne Victora (Australia) and would like to purchase one of these Roses for my husband to remember his 70th Birthday could you please advise where I might find one in Victoria.. thanks Maureen
I remember Rex (Sexy Rexy) and Sam and the wonderful friendship they shared. Rex had a bit of a sad time with things he had to deal with and he died way too young. He was a beautiful man and it’s so wonderful that his dear friend named a rose after him!