Rosa Neptune was bred by Tom Carruth in 2003 and later introduced in the United States by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc. in 2005. Classified as a mauve hybrid tea, this beauty is probably one of the best lavender roses in commerce to date. Growing on a tall, slightly spreading bush, each classically shaped bloom holds its form, making it not only a stunning garden rose, but a candidate for the show table, as well. Originating from a cross between the roses (Blueberry Hill x Stephen’s Big Purple) x Blue Nile, this lovely specimen boasts shades of lavender with purple edging and a deliciously strong citrus rose fragrance. Save a spot in your garden for this one.

Mauve roses are the closest thing we have to “blue” roses, so no surprise when this pretty thing was named for the closest thing we have to a “blue” planet: Neptune. Rosa Neptune was chosen for September’s Rose of the Month to commemorate the discovery of planet Neptune on September 23, 1846 by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle, who first observed the planet based on the mathematical calculations of French astronomer, Le Verrier. As the 8^th planet from the sun and the 4^th largest in diameter of all the planets in our solar system, Neptune’s atmosphere is composed of hydrogen, helium, and some methane. The methane absorbs red light which makes the planet appear blue. Named for the Roman Mythological god of the sea, Neptune has 14 moons, the largest of these named Triton, and hosts the coldest environment in our solar system.