The report of the results of the Santa Clara County RS show on April 25 brought with it a notation that the winner of the Genesis class, rosa spinosissima repens, shown by Barbara Gordon, had won best in show. This struck me as remarkable for several reasons, first because it was the first recorded trophy by this rose in my results, and second because it is highly unusual for a specimen of a species rose to be recognized as the best entry in the show.
Intrigued to learn what the entry looked like, I wrote to Barbara, who I have known for several years and whose garden I had the pleasure of visiting in 2001 on the occasion of the national convention held in San Jose. Barbara is an expert on polyanthas, one of my favorite classes, and also a superb arranger. I have a fond memory of seeing the specimen of the climbing sport of ‘Happy’ that she discovered on glorious display.
Barbara, whose talents are many, confessed that photography was not one of them, but referred me to John Petrula, the president of the Santa Clara County RS, who shared with me the monthly newsletter and a stunning photograph of the winning entry that I am pleased to share opposite.
The spinosissimas for those exhibitors unfamiliar with the species roses are also known as the scotch briars. The term "spinosissima" derives from the Latin “spinosus”, meaning, “full of thorns, thorny, prickly”. Also known as the wild “Scots Rose”, it has prickles and bristles that are straight, sharp and abundant.
Not much is known of the origins of rosa spinosissima repens. The Latin word repens means “creeping” or “crawling”, which is suggestive of its growth habit. Vintage Gardens, from whom it is available as a custom root, describes it thus: “Coin-sized flowers of pure white festoon the arching, and rather thorny stems of this hummocking plant. A very charming plant for the garden, providing a habit that lends itself to adorning a large container, and bringing the beautiful tiny foliage and black hips close to hand to observe.” (A “hummock” incidentally is a rounded knoll of ice rising above the general level of an ice field.) Like all species roses, it is a once bloomer; a remarkable picture of the bush in bloom from Cass Bernstein is available at HelpMeFind.
Thanks to Barbara for this display of an interesting rose and demonstrating again the value of a rose show in reminding us of the diversity of roses and the breadth of their extraordinary beauty.