New roses present tasty possibilities

We all look forward to time on our decks and patios, and a few amazing plants can make such a difference to our outdoor experience.

There are many great ones that can add value to our gardens this year, but one of the most exciting is a new series of edible roses.

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Bred in Serbia by rosarian Pheno Geno, two new edible roses are being introduced to the North American market by Proven Winners. Branded as Flavorette, they are adaptable to both large gardens and small patios. They were selected not only for their delicate and quite distinctive flavour, but also for their perfume and importance as garden roses.

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Flavorette Honey-Apricot is a lovely pink-apricot shade and reblooms over the summer season. It’s a taller variety, growing up to two metres, which can make it suitable as a privacy screen, especially when espaliered on a trellis.

Roses make great cut flowers, but the true value of this variety is the flavor: a hint of apricot with a touch of honey.

Flavorette Pear’d is a more compact variety, growing to about one metre tall and wide. Its soft pink buds open to pure white double flowers with a hint of pink. It’s a great garden plant, ideally suited to containers, and blooms all summer. Pear’d has a delicate fragrance, with a flavour similar to freshly ripened pears.

Fully edible, flowers from both Flavorettes make ideal cake and baking garnishes and are a colourful addition to any salad or sandwich. Imagine rose water made with these new roses and infused as flavouring for iced tea and many cold summer drinks. Flavouring homemade ice cream or sherbet is another option for this edible rose.

These are, after all, romantic garden roses to be enjoyed spring, summer and fall. They are hardy to Zone 4, allowing them to be enjoyed in colder climates. Their true beauty, beyond use as a cut flower, is as flavourful edibles that add that special touch to any meal. Enjoy.

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