For rose enthusiasts looking to add a show-stopping, fragrant rose to their garden, Summer Romance from the Bloom™ Collection by Star Roses and Plants is a standout choice. Kimberley Dean, known to her YouTube and Facebook followers as “The Rose Geek,” recently shared her experience with this captivating variety, and it’s easy to see why it deserves attention.
Kimberley’s garden in Maryland (zone 8a) is filled with an array of roses, carefully selected for beauty, fragrance, and resilience against common rose ailments like black spot. Summer Romance is a particular favorite, and it’s flourishing impressively. Planted in a grouping of about eight, it has already proven itself as a prolific bloomer with stunning visual appeal.
A Bloom Worth Noticing
One of the first things that stands out about Summer Romance is its sheer abundance of blooms. This variety is known for its large, lush flowers in rich, romantic shades of pink. The petals have that classic, old-fashioned rose form that many gardeners adore, offering a timeless elegance that complements any garden setting. Kimberley highlights the rose’s performance in her garden, describing the blooms as “just nuts” in their quantity and quality. Watch the original video here:
Fragrance and Appeal
Fragrance is often a deciding factor when selecting roses, and Summer Romance doesn’t disappoint. While the scent is described as light and floral, it carries the unmistakable, classic rose fragrance that appeals to traditionalists and new gardeners alike. Kimberley’s experience confirms that the fragrance is subtle but enchanting, adding another layer of sensory enjoyment to the garden.
Health and Resilience
A rose that blooms beautifully is only part of the equation – health and disease resistance are equally important. For gardeners in humid climates or regions prone to black spot, choosing disease-resistant varieties can make the difference between a thriving rose garden and constant frustration. Kimberley points out the impeccable foliage of Summer Romance, noting the absence of black spot and the clean, healthy appearance of its leaves. Planted alongside the popular Bolero rose, Summer Romance holds its own with vibrant growth and disease-free foliage, making it a reliable choice for rose lovers.
Garden Integration and Design
Summer Romance isn’t just a solo performer – it pairs beautifully with other roses and perennials. Kimberley’s planting of Bolero nearby shows how complementary varieties can create visual harmony in the garden. Whether grouped in a cluster or as a focal point, Summer Romance has the versatility to shine in various landscape designs.
Why Choose Summer Romance?
For gardeners looking for a healthy, fragrant, and floriferous rose, Summer Romance is a top contender. Its resistance to black spot, classic fragrance, and abundant blooms make it an ideal addition to gardens in zones with similar conditions to Maryland’s zone 8a. Even in areas with less-than-ideal rose-growing conditions, Summer Romance’s resilience gives it a strong chance to thrive.
As Kimberley Dean suggests, this is a rose worth considering for its blend of beauty, scent, and disease resistance. Whether you’re a seasoned rosarian or just starting your rose gardening journey, Summer Romance offers the perfect balance of charm and practicality.
Kimberley Dean, a Consulting Rosarian and Master Gardener from Southern Maryland, shares over 30 years of experience through her YouTube channel, The Rose Geek. She offers practical advice on organic rose care, focusing on proven solutions to challenges like black spot and sawfly damage.
