I purchased this rose several years ago. I had had some success with roses and was ready to try even more. I went to the rose nursery and put myself in their competent hands. When I heard this rose's name was 'Carefree Beauty', I raised my eyebrows and asked the nursery worker "Is it really carefree?". He assured me it was. I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try. False advertising? No. It really is a 'Carefree Beauty'.
In fact, 'Carefree Beauty' is one of my favorite roses. At least in the spring. I adore it's coloring - a cheerful pink that waves hello. The flat blooms are huge. I measured. 5-1/2 inches across. 'Carefree Beauty' gives a wonderful flush in the spring, blooming fairly early. Unfortunately, it doesn't do much in the summer (the first year I had it, it didn't bloom at all that summer), with another smaller flush in the fall. But that first flush is fabulous and makes it worth growing. I do wish it would repeat better in the summer, but I suppose that would be asking for perfection.
'Carefree Beauty' also goes by the name "Katy Road Pink" and grows in zones 4 to 9. It supposedly gets to 6 ft. or so, but I think you could keep it smaller if you wanted, because mine is nowhere near 6 ft. tall. Of course, it is in heavy clay soil, was in a spot with too much shade, and I have moved it around several times. Imagine the beauty it would be if in ideal conditions! The best part of 'Carefree Beauty' is that it is quite resistant to black spot, rust, and powdery mildew.
Want a beautiful rose that's really carefree? This rose is worth a try at home. It is a natural beauty. Because of its slow repeat, you might not want it to be the star of your garden, but it deserves a supporting role. Grow it for its spring flush. I couldn't imagine my garden without those big, billowy, beautiful blooms.
Do you have an experience with 'Carefree Beauty'?
Very cheerful! Pink is such a great color. Isn't it wonderful that so many roses are available now that don't require as much primping to look good.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine anybody could feel sad or blue when looking at such a flower. And for that reason alone I think you should count yourself lucky to have come across it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty 'Beauty'. Love the color.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at "no black spot" I want a carefree pink rose. I am going to look for this variety.
ReplyDeleteI grow quite a few roses that bloom wonderfully in spring, and then don't do much the rest of the year, and still love them. Your Carefree Beauty looks gorgeous, thanks for spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty flowers. The leaves look really healthy too. I have alot of blackspot on my roses I can never seem to get rid of.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. I love Roses and had thought of buying one of these this summer, but I do wish they bloomed through the summer too.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies
VW - It is a cheerful pink, and I am also very glad that rose growers have realized that most home gardeners don't want to spray.
ReplyDeleteSoren - I am glad the nursery recommended it. It's good to have the experts' advice.
GWGT - Thanks for commenting.
lifeshighway - I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed mine.
Masha - Yes, I think it depends on what you're expecting. I do enjoy this rose, and am excited when it does bloom.
Kelli - Blackspot is common here, too, until it gets too hot for it! In the zones that don't get as hot, it can be a real menace all year.
Cher - There are so many roses, you should be able to find a rose that you love that blooms throughout the summer, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beauty!!
ReplyDeleteGardeningBlog - I think so, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is one lovely rose. I'm leery of planting roses here because of the care required. I do have one red knock out rose and I think for now it will be the solitary rose in my garden.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I need to get my soil improved (gumbo over pavement debris) and get some roses planted.
ReplyDeleteMarcia - Knockouts have great blackspot resistance. If/when you decide to get another type of rose, there are some great ones out there.
ReplyDeleteTufa Girl - I wish you well on your rose growing. Gumbo is good - not so sure about over payment debris. You're smart to improve your soil first!
Tempting . . .
ReplyDeleteCynthia - try it! :)
ReplyDeleteFor me Carefree Beauty started to be floppy in its second year, but I will see, perhaps it will improve.
ReplyDeleteJana - I think it does sort of flop, which doesn't bother me. I suppose you could keep it cut short - that might help if you don't like that look.
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