A Special Rose – Lady Ann Kidwell

When most people think of roses, it is the florist’s Hybrid Tea they picture. But for some, dare I say slightly eccentric, folks the world of roses is much more broadly defined. And within that wide world of choices, many of us choose a particular type of rose as a favorite.

In memory of such a friend, this series of photos presents the Polyantha rose ‘Lady Ann Kidwell’.

Polyantha roses, according to Wikipedia are

Literally “many-flowered” roses, from the Greek “poly” (many) and “anthos” (flower). Originally derived from crosses between two East Asian species (Rosa chinensis and Rosa multiflora), polyanthas first appeared in France in the late 19th century alongside the hybrid teas. They featured short plants—some compact, others spreading in habit—with tiny blooms (2.5 cm or 1 inch in diameter on average) carried in large sprays

Though ‘Lady Ann Kidwell’ is classified as a Polyantha, it is somewhat unusual in a couple of ways. The blooms are more widely spaced, and are especially delicate in appearance. In particular, the buds are long and graceful.

An additional trait of this rose is that, in mild climates, it can attain significant height, building on wood of previous years. In my cold winter climate however, this rose is likely to emerge from winter with no living wood whatsoever. But it survives despite the insult of winter – a remarkable thing really.

And so, in memory of JD, ‘Lady Ann Kidwell’

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13 Responses to A Special Rose – Lady Ann Kidwell

  1. jeri jennings says:

    A good choice. I grow LAK because JD introduced me to it. Can we use this as a Gold Coast article, come Fall? Jeri

  2. Susan Graham says:

    Wonderful images, wonderful thoughts.

  3. Anne Williams says:

    Can anyone tell me about the person the rose was named after Rose Ann Kidwell.

    Many thanks
    Anne

    • Christine says:

      Anne, the rose was introduced by Edward Marsh of Marsh’s Nursery in Pasadena, California in 1948. According to his grandson Dan Marsh (as reported by Kim Rupert), Ann Kidwell sponsored Edward Marsh’s US citizenship. Edward named this Alfred Krebs bred rose in her honor.

      • Anne Williams says:

        Many thanks for your information. My name was Anne Kidwell
        And I am in the process of buying one for my garden. It will be the talking point of the garden.

        • Christine says:

          Anne, congratulations! Not many people have a rose named for (or at least almost for) them, and especially not one so exceptional.

        • K Kidwell says:

          Regarding:
          “Anne Williams says:
          September 15, 2013 at 1:44 am
          Many thanks for your information. My name was Anne Kidwell And I am in the process of buying one for my garden. It will be the talking point of the garden.
          Reply:
          I am looking for a Lady Ann Kidwell rose for my aunt, ann kidwell’s, birthday. Are we related?
          K Kidwell

          • Anne Williams says:

            Hi K, I’m not sure. Where do you live and give me your parents first names? I think my family my grandparents lived in London.

            Many thanks. Anne.

  4. K Kidwell says:

    Hi Anne,

    I’m trying to find a way to reply to your email outside the website. Can’t find a way. It doesn’t sound like we’re closely related though because my relatives have been in the United States going way back. Most were in the midwest, and originated in Ireland and Wales.
    Best regards,
    K Kidwell

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