Roses come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We might think of the typical rose being red, pink, or perhaps yellow, but much darker and richer tones are possible too. Some are such a dark purple that they look almost black – a striking effect that is sure to attract attention. One of the best of this type is the novel and remarkable Diamond Eyes™ Miniature Rose Tree, whose larger blooms have a contrasting white center that really makes that dark color pop. If you like ‘different’ in your garden, you will love this new variety that is turning heads wherever it is seen.

The Diamond Eyes Miniature Rose Tree is a larger and stronger bush, with larger blooms too, than many miniature roses are. It has a more upright habit, so rather than a neat, round ball of leaves, it forms a more upright, vigorous plant. With its strong trunk the tree is at least 4 feet tall, and over 18 inches wide. While we often recommend miniature rose trees for smaller gardens, this one is sturdy and substantial enough to look striking in a larger garden too, planted alone, in a row lining a path, or as specimens at the four corners of a terrace, for example. Yet it is still compact enough to be used in a large pot or planter and placed on a patio or balcony to be enjoyed up close. The abundant foliage is dense and full, with leaves that are 5 inches long, but made up of 5 separate leaflets, each around 2 inches long, with a rounded shape and fine serrations along the margin. Their dark-green color is exceptionally rich, and the leaf is glossy and very healthy, with above-average resistance to both powdery mildew and rust – common diseases that disfigure many other rose plants in summer.

The blooms of the Diamond Eyes Miniature Rose Tree are exceptionally large and showy for the miniature class of roses. The flowers are born singly, or in clusters of up to six buds, at the ends of every stem, and new stems are being continuously produced all summer long. With each individual blossom lasting 5 days or more, depending on temperature, you are assured of an endless supply of blooms, so your bush is always colorful and attractive. Each bloom is 2 inches across, with 30 to 40 petals, making a very full double flower. When the flowers are newly-opened they are rounded and cup shaped, and as they mature they open flatter, with the petals spread out, exposing the center of the flower. That center has a pronounced white area at the base of each petal, with prominent yellow stamens, making a white ‘eye’ in bright contrast to the petals, which are such a dark purple they are almost black. An open flower looks like a bright diamond glowing at the center of a dark and seductive eye. Not only is this a beautiful and distinctive rose, it has a matching exotic spicy, clove perfume you will absolutely love. Many modern roses have little scent, but not this beauty. One sniff will fill your head with rich aromas.

Grow the Diamond Eyes Miniature Rose Tree in full sun for the most blooms and best growth. Soils with more clay in them are loved by roses, although the soil should always be well-drained. In all soils, but especially if your soil is light and sandy, add plenty of richer organic materials to your soil – compost and rotted manures are better than peat moss. This vigorous rose will particularly benefit from a regular fertilizer program, using fertilizers specifically blended for roses. Liquid formulations are best for containers, and either liquid or granular types can be used in garden beds. A sturdy bush like this is best protected from wind or snow damage by attaching the trunk to a strong, permanent stake. Tie it securely to the stem and to some of the larger branches up inside the crown, to prevent breakage. In early spring, as the buds are beginning to swell, remove any weak or damages stems, and trim back the remaining ones by one-third to one-half, cutting just above an outward-facing strong bud. Remove spent flowers as the petals fall and cut back finished clusters to the first full-sized leaf, to encourage lots of new shoots and flowers. This bush has good resistance to common diseases, and most pests are easily dealt with if detected early.

The Diamond Eyes™ rose variety is a product of the breeding skills of Tom Carruth, a professional rose breeder at Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc. in Pomona, California. He took one of his earlier creations, a purple rose called Wild Blue Yonder™, and crossed it with a seedling he had created from other crosses, and among the resulting plants he found this unique near-black rose. It was patented in 2015 with the name ‘WEKwibypur’. This exciting new variety is winning hearts, and it will win yours too if you order now, while our limited stock of first-class plants remains available – they will be gone soon.