The new introduction Rosa Blue Eyes® (Pejbigeye) bred by Peter James in the UK is considered a breakthrough in terms of colour. Hulthemia persica (Hulthema is a sub-genus of Rosa) have simple leaves, lack auricles (tiny spurs) where the leaves join the stem but above all their flowers present a colour blotch, usually a deep red, at the base of the petals. Over a period of many years starting in the 1970’s, breeders in the UK sought to introduce this colour blotch into the flowers of their hybrid roses and already there are a number of such hybrids with pink, apricot, red and yellow flowers. Another aspect that breeders have overcome is the seasonal flowering of Hulthemia and the latest hybrids are repeat flowering. Rosa Blue Eyes® is a hardy and flowers from May through to the end of October, sometimes even longer, depending on climate. In these new hybrids, breeders have managed to overcome the poor disease disease typical of Hulthemia persica. The colour of the semi-double flowers is best described as a crimson-purple heart on a white background pearled with lavender. It is fragrant with a lemon scent. Further information from Pépinières de Saulaie. Fax: 0033 241591203, E-mail: pepsaul@wanadoo.fr www.pepinieresdelasaulaie.fr
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