For several years, one of the big mail order nurseries has touted a lovely combination of climbing plants: the stalwart, yellow-flowered rose, ‘Golden Showers,’ and the purple clematis, ‘Etoile Violette.’ The two make a lovely color combination when they grow together; the buttery color of the rose contrasting with its color wheel opposite, dark purple. When the two do not bloom simultaneously, each holds its own, supplying strong color while the other rests.
I have always loved blues and yellows paired in beds, pots and window boxes. Since many “blue” flowers are actually blue-purple, I have already combined yellow and purple many times. Still, I would love to do more of it, especially with roses. I have been considering possible combinations
One of the best that I can think of involves a romantic-looking match-up of a relatively new golden rose and an older lavender one. ‘Julia Child,’ introduced in 2004 and named after the great cook, is the “golden girl,” with licorice-scented, medium yellow petals. ‘Angel Face,’ introduced in 1968, features ruffled, deep lavender blooms with a slight rosy blush. Both shrubs are floribunda roses, with large flowers, borne singly or in small clusters at the tops of elegant stems. Floribundas bloom in flushes, so choosing ‘Julia Child’ and ‘Angel Face’ might mean having both of them in bloom at roughly the same times during the growing season. To keep the floral show going in mixed borders, surround them with complementary sun-loving annuals, like white California poppies; or interesting perennials, such as lavender.
If you have plenty of space, try heirloom, ‘Reine des Violettes,’ which bears appropriately old-fashioned, cupped and quartered flowers, with 50 to 75 rosy violet petals apiece. Virtually thornless, the shrub can grow four to eight feet tall and three to six feet wide, but can be kept on the small end of that range with regular pruning. Bred and introduced in France in 1860, on the eve of the American Civil War, ‘Reine des Violettes’ means ‘Queen of the Violets.’ It is still in commerce today, as is a slightly younger, yellow-flowered companion, ‘Buff Beauty,’ introduced in England in 1939.
‘Buff Beauty’ and ‘Reine des Violettes’ share the relatively rare rose trait of being able to thrive in light shade. The two varieties are also similar in size and bloom in companionable flushes throughout the season. ‘Buff Beauty’s flowers are borne in clusters and are slightly smaller than those of ‘Reine,’ but make up for their size with great profusion. The scent is an intoxicating old rose or tea rose fragrance. Because they are old-fashioned shrub roses, these two varieties have a more relaxed growth habit than some of their modern counterparts. They are perfect for large mixed borders, where they might socialize with other species that feature purple or golden flowers or leaves.
For those who love the classic, high-centered hybrid tea form, the lavender-mauve ‘Blue Moon’ is an excellent choice. Introduced in Germany in 1964, the reblooming bushes grow two to five feet tall and about two feet wide, suitable for both beds and large containers. The blooms make excellent cut flowers and bear a strong fragrance. Make an international rose marriage by matching it with David Austin’s English rose, ‘Charlotte,’ which is butter-yellow with a tea rose fragrance. Loaded with petals, the yellow rose blooms are not as sleek and elegant as ‘Blue Moon’s, but make a nice contrast of both color and form. The Austin rose is also a comparable size, growing four feet tall by three feet wide. Both varieties rebloom throughout the season.
If you decide on these purple/yellow pairs, or any roses, don’t be discouraged by all the nonsense out there about the fussiness of roses. It is most often promulgated by people who have purchased diseased plants or companies that want to sell you something. A good, hardy rose plant in the right situation does not need to be pampered like a Persian cat. Plant your roses in well-drained soil in spots that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A few, like ‘Buff Beauty’ and ‘Reine des Violettes’ can take a bit less. Make sure to leave enough room to accommodate the mature size of the shrubs, so that they will always have the good air circulation that helps deter fungal diseases. Mulch well with at least two inches of organic material to conserve soil moisture and provide added water during very dry spells.
Purple and yellow roses are often more genetically susceptible than other roses to fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Fight these organically by spraying the leaves regularly with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda, two tablespoons vegetable oil and a few drops of dishwashing liquid dissolved in one gallon of water. Mix this, pour it into a sprayer and spray on the roses once or twice a week. If the weather is very hot and sticky or it rains every other day, apply more often. Remove and destroy any diseases leaves that you see.
In the spring, large nurseries and garden centers usually carry at least one variety of purple rose and sometimes more than one yellow-flowered cultivar. For wider selection, try, David Austin Roses, 15059 State Hwy 64 West, Tyler TX 75704, (800) 328 8893, www.davidaustinroses.com. Free catalog. To find older varieties, try online-only retailer Rogue Valley Roses, (541) 535-1307, www.roguevalleyroses.com. Free online newsletter.