’Munstead Wood’

 

‘Munstead Wood’ looks and smells best in the spring and fall. In the summer, the dark color absorbs too much of the sun’s heat and the petals quickly become crispy. In cooler weather and lower sun intensity, the flowers are deep purple-red, and can be almost black. The scent is that of blackberry jam with a hint of wine. I may remove this rose this winter because of the poor summer heat tolerance. I need more than just a few flowers a year.