Bob Bauer Photography, Timeless Roses, and
Turner Photographics
Breeder: Meilland
Parentage: (R. sempevirens x Mlle Marthe Carron) x Picasso
Introduced: 1981
Class: Ground Cover
Color: Pink, fading to pale pink
Scent: None
Size: 4 x 4 feet
Zone: 4-9
The candy pink roses are ruffled and sweet in appearance if not in scent. They are born in abundance on healthy reddish canes bearing very dark, small leaves. I love the spreading habit of the slightly stiff, yet arching canes.
One of my Bonica shrubs is spreading out beneath the airy branches of our son's deep purple butterfly bush, "Black Knight." This makes an awesome color combination! Another Bonica forms the top point of a triangular arrangement completed by two Gertrude Jekyll roses in a small garden in the front yard. The third shrub is growing at the base of one of the fence posts supporting our grapevines. It put out a rather long cane, so I wrapped it around the post and tied it in place. There was just enough summer left to see a strong new shoot emerging from the bent cane. I'm anxious to see what will develop next spring.
If you're in need of a reliable rose that is hardy, disease-resistant, floriferous, and easy to look at, choose Bonica. It can fit into the floral border, stand alone as a landscape centerpiece, or create a fine hedge. All in all, a versatile and pleasing rose!
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