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For immediate release Media contacts: Judy Hohmann, 952-443-1445 or Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459
Chanhassen, MN (June 7, 2011) - A rose by any other name is...that is the thorny question. A new pink rose at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, known as 'Rosa 66," the selection name, will make its flowery debut in the marketplace in 2012.
The public is invited to submit ideas for naming this Arboretum-exclusive rose, which features a scalloped, double-petal bloom. Borne out of the northern-hardy tradition of the University of Minnesota woody landscape plant breeding program at the Horticultural Research Center, Rosa 66 can endure Minnesota climate and is resistant to black-spot disease. This rose blooms intermittently throughout the summer and is a standout with its classic pale pink hues and light fragrance.
Rosa 66, a shrub rose, is still quite rare, with less than 100 test plants available. To see a grouping of these shrub roses upclose, go to the Arboretum's Cloister Garden, located near the Ordway picnic shelter or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/nametherose.aspx.
Submit your ideas for naming the rose now through Sept. 30. Entries can be submitted in person at the Arboretum's Oswald Visitor Center or online at www.arboretum.umn.edu/nametherose.aspx. All entries will be reviewed by a VIP panel for final judging.
About the northern-hardy plant and fruit research program
The University of Minnesota's horticulture program is nationally known for its northern-hardy plant and fruit research program, which has resulted in well over 400 proven hardy varieties. It has provided a foundation for Minnesota's $2 billion horticultural industry, spanning the borders from Roseau grass seed growers south to Lanesboro vineyards.
About the Horticultural Research Center
In 1908, the University of Minnesota created the Fruit Breeding Farm on 80 acres near Victoria, Minn., for the purpose of developing hardy apple trees for the northern climate. Successful introductions include Fireside, Haralson, Honeygold and more recently Honeycrisp,tm Zestar!tm and SweeTango. Over the years, the research facility has introduced more than 100 new varieties of apricots, cherries, cherry-plums, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, as well as successful wine and table grapes.
In 1967, the Fruit Breeding Farm was renamed the Horticultural Research Center (HRC) to reflect its increased plant diversity. Additional activities include the breeding of landscape plants, including ornamental grasses, plant cold-hardiness research and restoration ecology research. Thirty-nine new trees and shrubs have been introduced, including the 'Lights' azalea series, 'Northwood' maple, and 'Northern Sun' forsythia. The wetland ecology project started the successful Spring Peeper Meadow wetland restoration project in 1995. In 1985, the HRC merged with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (located just east of the research center) and the combined unit remains an important research arm of the Department of Horticultural Science at the University.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located 9 miles west of Interstate 494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. The largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, it is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Open 363 days a year. Admission: $9 adults; free for ages 15 & younger, free for members. The End
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New Rose Selection - Rosa 66
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