What I Planted: Fragrant Plum Rose (Grandiflora)

I haven't had any luck with lavender/purple roses in the past. They seem quite frail. Today I was inspired to give it another try at the Mountain Grove Ace Hardware, where they have a sensational looking shipment of Weeks Roses. This is the description of the Weeks Rose that I bought:

Fragrant Plum

2004 Intro

(cv. Aroplumi)

Grandiflora - Lavender blushing purple

Imagine the rose "Paradise" with more blue, mysterious smoking and marvelous fragrance. Then dream on about a vigorous tall plant that produces armloads of very long elegant buds atop premium-length cutting stems. Now picture this plum pretty plum-colored Grandiflora with lush deep green foliage at home in your garden.

• Height / Habit: Tall, upright
• Bloom / Size: Medium-large, double
• Petal count: 20 to 25
• Parentage: Shocking Blue x [Blue Nile x (Ivory Tower x Angel Face)]
• Fragrance: Strong fruity
• Hybridizer: Christensen – 1990
• Comments: Color brightens with some heat. Spring and fall produce the best form.

I really had my heart set on the new variety "Koko Loko" but they didn't have it today, and I have to plant when I can here where I live, with what's available. So, I was happy to still find a purple, and it sounds like a good choice for cut flowers. Color me happy! :)