Best Friend

Today while I was judging a NSW Regional Show bench I came across the rose Best Friend and was intoxicated by its fragrance.

From the photo John has placed it is a lovely rose Doug, but you don't have to call me that (best friend), we hardly know each other yet, only joking. I would think in all seriousness from the shot John has provided, it should win some good awards oin the bench I think.

Beautiful rose. I saw it last summer at Newstead and immediately added it to the list.
Amazing fragrance backed up with good form and health.
Planted one this season. Doing very well.

I have had this rose and i really liked it , i shifted it one year though to a different spot and it didn't really do any good after that , but i would plant it again for sure ...

the colour looks like it would make it the signature plant in any bed, and would grow nicely with some golden oregano and snow in summer

AutumnDamask, sorry to hijack this thread (i am a terrible culprit for this, I know) but I was wondering how you have found Newstead Roses? I stopped in there on the way back from Reliable Roses yesterday and they had a massive selection of potted roses. They're just up the road from my place.

I'm not local to them - otherwise I would support them more - but they appeared to have a good range and know what they're on about. They have some harder-to-get ones too. I got my St Brigid's Rose (Aussie bred) there.

Thanks AutumnDamask

If it clusters Best Friend could be a good rose for the decorative class on the show bench.

Hi Guys.  I bought my Brigid's Rose from this crowd, after you, Autumn,  recommended them and found them to be very helpful. 
I would love to have Best Friend in the garden and thought it would look lovely with lavender!  Just a thought! LOL

If it clusters Best Friend would be a good rose for the decorative class on the show bench.

I loved Best Friend for a time. The fragrance is indeed divine, and the big, lavish ruffley bloom is beautiful to behold. Lasts in a vase, too.

Unfortunately, BF and I had a falling out when she failed to be a good producer. Perhaps I didn't give her enough time, but her second year was dismal, and I put her out of my misery.

I have Best Friend planted bare root this year, and it has grown really well and produced some beautiful blooms, not that many, but lovely. Good perfume but not a knock you out one, but it's early days yet. No clusters so far. It's in my bright pink/dark red/ mauve bed so it's certainly doing its job of pinking up the place. It also serves as a sentimental reminder of my canine best friend Buster, passed on now, who loved to sit in that spot overlooking the back garden. Betsy I will be disappointed if Best Friend fails to deliver next year.

That is a good idea Silky, planting a rose to remind one of a lost BFF.  I must get this Best Friend and plant it near where my Lab would bury her bones. Honey the lab, the iconic wonder dog, who lived so that every moment could be about food (including the neighbours rack of lamb from their BBQ) died this September and the place is verrrrry quiet without her. Best Friend would certainly stand out as she did..

Yeah, I loved the RSPCA canine connection to this rose too, silky. (Dare I ask after darling Sam?)

Meilland orginally called it "Caprice de Meilland", and she does seem capricious. Perhaps you'll get a power surge in the perfume in autumn, because she is definitely capable of turning it on. Refined scent, too, not soapy at all.

I will await your second year verdict eagerly; if positive, I may have to give her another go, because she is so beautiful and so fragrant.

PS: Vale, Honey, beloved golden wonder dog. You should have a rose, for sure.

Sorry to hear about Honey Hariet, it's so gut wrenching when our canine companions pass away I know. Best Friend stands out visually and fragrance wise, so when you pass by and get just a whiff of its perfume, it's like a friendly nudge from a dearly remembered friendly nose.
Betsy, I'm happy happy happy to say my beautiful Sam is still going strong! New vet seems to think the terminal verdict was a misdiagnosis by the pathology lab. Just the usual aches and pains for his age (like me) but bouncing around like a teenager lately, in between long nana naps. Lol. Will keep you informed about Best Friend.

Any updates how Best Friend is going and went.

Danny I think Best Friend is a ripper of a rose. In fact it may be my new favourite. Such a strong healthy plant which produces heaps of long stemmed blooms. They last well on the bush and more than a week in the vase. I even love the rich antique hue the flowers develop in the vase as they age. Strong perfume. No sign of spotting through the season. Even now I'm still cutting beautiful blooms. I'm wondering when it will decide to call it a day as it's still in full leaf with more buds opening every day. Mine was only planted last season and has grown strongly, reaching about 5 and a half feet, nicely shaped. Highly recommended.

More than impressed with the fragrance of Best Friend.

awesome rose .. love mine , bloom after bloom last year A++++

Thanks guys for the info planted one on the weekend barerooted.

Found a bush of Best Friend at Bunnings  yesterday and the AQ wanted it desperately because of its fragrance however we are struggling to place roses we already have so we decided not to purchase it at this stage.

That's a shame Ausrose. I wouldn't be without mine. I think it's my new favourite. It's the most floriferous rose I've come across, highly fragrant beautifully shaped blooms, healthy as a horse.

silky have you any photos at various stages of development?