Mister Lincoln
by Joy Bednorz
The red rose has always signified passion, whether it be of the single red
rose signifying the undying love of the Phantom of the Opera for his protégé,
to the blanket of roses for the Kentucky Derby winner, or a rose gently dropped
in a grave for the final goodbye to a loved one, the red rose finds it way
to the heart. Mister Lincoln – a deliciously fragrant, red rose – was
named for a simple man, born February 12, 1809, that stirred our nation to
one of the most passionate times in its history.
Mister Lincoln
Mister Lincoln, the rose, was bred by O.L. Weeks and Herbert C. Swim
in 1964, and introduced in the United States by Conrad-Pyle (Star Roses).
It is a dark red, 35 petal, extremely fragrant, hybrid tea. The bush will
naturally grow in a tall, upright vase-like shape. Mister Lincoln is susceptible
to black spot and mildew and requires diligent care, but the reward is a
4 - 5 inch single bloom on a long stem, perfect for cut flowers on this repeat
bloomer. He also is a consistently winning rose…starting out with an All-America
Rose Selection award in 1965. His awards continue with Court of Honor,
Queen of Show, Princess of Show and Most Fragrant Rose too numerous to list here. It
is said that that President Lincoln’s ghost haunts the White House.
Well, if so, I hope he stops to smell the rose named in his honor. Happy
Birthday, Mr. President!
