Hi. The plant is very beautiful, it's a pity that the flowers turn brown with age and with rain, and in that case it takes on an unpleasant appearance. In my garden it is quite healthy there is only a slight black spot.
It's interesting that some of the pictures of this rose show yellow shades and others, especially dee choi's photograph have pink tones instead. The plant I purchased from David Austin is pale lemon in bud during the summer opening white but in cooler autumn weather has a lovely soft yellow colour in the centres of the flowers. Definitely no pink anywhere, maybe warmer climates make a difference.
The rose sold to me as Prosperity has a pink tint to opening blossoms that then turn white. There is another Pemberton rose,Pax, now virtually lost from commerce in the United States, that has a light lemon tint to its beautiful buds. They open to a warm ivory white. It is a sprawler that sends out long canes, so I assume it could be grown as a climber. Its leaves are more elongated than Prosperity's and take on a grayish green tint as they mature. I am growing both Pemberton roses and both are outstanding in humid southeast Mississippi, 60 miles North of the Gulf of Mexico. To me, there is something very sophisticated about Pax. The buds are relatively small with a very classic high centered shape that remind me of Ophelia but a bit smaller. The foliage is also interesting. It's a shame this very fine rose is being lost from commerce.
I would encourage ARE to do that. I'll suggest it to them. It is too nice a garden rose not to be offered. My clone was custom rooted for me by Greenmantle Nursery in Ettersburg California. Another reason it should not be lost is because it can't be easily substituted for by other roses. It is a very sophisticated garden rose, not flashy, has understated beauty and quite healthy. Was named Pax to commemorate the end of WWI.
Here are photos of my 'Prosperity' from Mrs. Sambell's garden, via Rose Marsh, in 2000 planted in the Wee Garden. It is not a very healthy bush and I think it might need more water and more dolomite.
You're not alone Patricia, five years ago I bought 'Penelope', 'Felicia', 'Cornelia' and 'Prosperity' from David Austin, three of them are growing wonderfully but the 'Prosperity' looks exactly like yours, it's very miffy.
I agree. I got this rose as a 'filler' for a partially shady, rather awkward location. I didn't expect much of it but it has completely won me over for so many reasons: fragrant white blooms that just keep on coming (mine was still blooming in January!), healthy gorgeous foliage without a speck of disease, beautiful arched weeping form, quick growth, tolerance of shade and difficult soil/location. What a amazing rose - well named, indeed. I'm glad I took Liz Druitt's advice and tried this rose - it is definitely one of my favorites now.
