RIR score: unknown out of 10.
Parentage: unknown
Hybridized by Whit Wells
Introduced in 2003
What our gardeners say:
Memphis King's flowers are bourne one to a stem and are dark red, double, and heat tolerant which is very important around the Memphis area. The bush is vigorous, bushy, and low growing (so far) with dark, matte green foliage. Most say it possesses good disease resistance, but these folks regularly spray fungicide to combat black spot.
Notice the gorgeous flower form...this beauty had no special fertilizer or care, that's just the way most all the flowers appear. As for suitablity to the local area: this rose was bred and raised by Whit Wells of Brighton, TN, then tested out in his field without any spraying and no winter protection. With such a good form and ease of growth, Memphis King was present quite a few times at the Memphis Rose Society's 2003 rose show.
Another quality the busy rose gardener with appreciate - this rose is self-cleaning. What this means is that dead-heading is not absolutely required as the old blooms quickly wilt and fall off the plant.
I've not seen Memphis King for sale anywhere else, so here's Mr. Whit's address: Mid-South Roses at 471 Lucey Kelly RD, Brighton, TN 901-476-6064.
ZONES: 7-9 (so far)