Rose Daphne

This rose amazes with the abundance of soft pink to cream flowers which appear on the plant from early season until colds. The flowers have very delicate and tender appearance but in reality, they are very resistant to unfavorable weather conditions. Forms attractive upright, strong, slightly rounded plant densely decorated with dark green and glossy foliage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING
The variety ‘Daphne’ has recurrent, continuous blooming habit. Flowers from early summer until frosts.

Bloom:
The flowers are medium sized, the average diameter of the open flowers is about 8 -9 cm (3.5”). They are full, the total petals count under normal growing conditions is about 35. Upon opening the flowers have cupped ruffled shape, the flower form persists until the end. The petals have a very beautiful and romantic ruffled form which adds the volume to the flower.

The flowers are gathered in small clusters of 3 to 9 flowers together.

The colour of the flower upon opening is soft pink to cream pink, with outer petals slightly darker. As the flowering progresses the colour becomes paler, fading almost to light pink, with just a touch of the dark pink on the edges of the petals. In hot and dry weather environments, the colour changes to a pale green color.

The flowers have long-lasting qualities, which makes them a perfect choice for a vase. On a plant the flowers last for about 8 – 12 days under normal growing conditions, as a cut flower also fairly long - 7 to 10 days.

Fragrance:
The aroma is pleasant and light, of a Tea character.

PLANT
The rose variety ‘Daphne’ is classified as a Moderh shrub rose hybrid of Rosa Hybrida class. Has strong and vigorous growth habit. Forms large, upright, bushy and slightly rounded plant. The mature plant grown in a garden when well established has a height of about 100 – 150 cm (3.5’ – 5’) and the width of about 60 – 80 cm (2’ – 3’).

The breeder estimates that it can also be grown as a small climbing rose when provided with the support that can be a fence, obelisk, or arch. Makes perfect cut flower.

Foliage:
The quantity of foliage on a plant is abundant. The number of leaflets on a normal mid stem leaf varies from 5 to 7. The leaves are large, have glossy texture, the edges are serrated, the type of serration is large and single. The colour of the young leaflets is medium yellow green with purple red edges. The mature leaflets are of a dark green colour.

Disease resistance:
The variety has good disease resistance to all main rose pathogens, however the breeder recommends using preventive spraying with chemicals. Pest resistance has not been tested.

The variety is recommended for growing in USDA zones 6 and warmer.

The name comes from Greek mythology and is dedicated to the beautiful nymph Daphne. Persecuted by Apollo, who was in love with her, Daphne prayed to the gods for help and was transformed into a laurel tree.

Gifu - The People's Choice, Gifu Rose Trials, 2017

Gifu Silver Medal, Gifu Rose Trials, 2017

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY
The floribunda rose ‘Kimlaurel’ / ‘Daphne’ was originated by Takunori Kimura (Japan) by crossing the seed parent ‘KORgrasotra’ / ‘Sister's Fairy Tale’, floribunda rose from Kordes, 2001 and the pollen parent ‘Jaclace’ / ‘French Lace’, a floribunda rose William A. Warriner, 1980 .

USDA zone 6 and warmer