January 2004
Raspberry Swirls

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Class: Hybrid Tea, Large-flowered

Parentage: Crystalline x Suffolk

Breeding:  Bred in US in 2000 by Eddie Edwards and introduced the same year by Johnny Becnel Show Roses

The American Rose Society Handbook for Selecting Roses classifies Raspberry Swirls as a pink blend with a rating of  7.0.  Since the rose is relatively new, this is an interim rating that may be changed after further evaluation.

In my garden, I have found this rose to have a beautiful color combination of raspberry and cream, which seems to swirl through the bloom.  The bush grows to about 4 feet and has dark foliage.

It does seem to have some characteristics which might be considered negative, especially to an exhibitor.  Its blooming cycle is slow to repeat.  The stems are short.  However, as my bush has aged, it has developed longer stems.  The stems are also very thorny and somewhat thick.  But having said all this, I think Raspberry Swirls is an excellent show rose -- an exquisite rose with superb form. 

Raspberry Swirls can be purchased from:
Johnny Becnel Show Roses
8134 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, LA  70037
504/392-0534

                              Dale Ericson