GARDENING : Some Roses Sing Praises of Country Music Legends

Many entertainers have sung about roses, but now there’s a new twist: roses named for country stars.

Hybrid tea roses have been named in honor of Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Lynn Anderson, whose recording of “Rose Garden” has sold more than 16 million copies since its release in 1970.

When the Nashville Rose Society asked Lynn Anderson to select a new rose to be named in her honor, she chose a white rose with raspberry edging. Tired of life’s prickly side, Anderson says, “I personally requested mine have no thorns. It’s absolutely incredible to be in the same ‘bouquet’ with the women that have earned this honor.”

Minnie Pearl was the first country star to have a rose named in her honor. Her miniature rose made its debut in 1982 at an American Rose Society national convention in Nashville.

Other miniature roses also have been named after country music legends Barbara Mandrell and Brenda Lee.

The Dolly Parton rose fits her well, says its breeder, Joe Winchel. “It’s the color of Dolly’s lipstick,” he says.

“It has big blooms, lots of perfume, excellent form and it likes the hot weather.”