Rosa Hoagy Carmichael was bred by Sam McGredy IV in 1982 and introduced by McGredy Roses International of New Zealand. Classified as a medium red, hybrid tea rose, it blooms often on a medium sized bush. The flowers of this variety are stunning in color and shape. Each flower opens with high centers and as the bloom ages, the petals begin to quill, or roll under. It is not only a beautiful garden rose, but an excellent show rose that holds its form. As most red roses are richly scented, this beauty sadly has little or no fragrance.
Rose Hoagy Carmichael was chosen as December’s Rose of the Month to honor American singer, songwriter, and actor Hoagland Howard “Hoagy” Carmichael who passed away on December 27, 1981. Born in Bloomington, Indiana to an electrician father and pianist mother, Hoagy attended Indiana University where he earned a law degree and also formed his own jazz band. After practicing law in Palm Beach Florida for a while, Hoagy abandoned law career for music after one of his earliest song writing achievements “Washboard Blues” was recorded. He moved to New York and then on to Hollywood to live out a 30 year career of songwriting and performing. Two of his greatest hits include “Stardust” and “Georgia on My Mind”. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1971.
