Helen Hayes

Remontant

Helen Hayes reminded me what the great to-do over hybrid teas is about. The flower charms twice: once as a high-centered opening bud full of apricot shading, and again with the fully blown flowers - petals fading toward primrose. For our viewing convenience the blossoms are held at eye-level and face outward.

The two plants I observed were full of foliage, five feet high, and healthy. Helen Hayes seemed a little parsimonious with her flowers, though. And they were only three inches across.

It's yellow, so I must guess that the ARS rating of 5.6 is due in part to problems with fungal disease in humid parts of the country.