Rosa 'Golden Celebration'

Why is it so difficult to take a photo of something so large?  'Golden Celebration' is around 7 feet (2.1 m) tall now, and wider that that, 9 feet (3 m) or so, yet I'm having trouble getting a decent photograph.



This GC spends the winter in full shade, the summer in full sun, and spring and fall with enough sun to be satisfied.  Rather than dropping its old foliage completely, this year it decided to bloom with old foliage still hanging on.  There is some Black Spot, a rarity in Southern California.  Once the really warm weather hits, the Black Spot will vanish. 



GC does splendidly on its own roots.  This specimen has dozens of basal canes and sprouts a few new ones every year. 



The big problem is keeping it deadheaded and trimmed.  I never seem to get around to doing either.  GC doesn't mind at all--in fact seems to not need any pruning.   I mind, because it is not at the pinnacle of beauty it would dwell in with even marginal deadheading.  Hips persist, dry out, and turn black, while 'Golden Celebration' blooms on and on.   Eventually I assume dead wood will build up, and a good pruning will be needed, but after six years in this spot, not yet. 







No mildew, some Rust as winter arrives, and in a rainy year Black Spot here in Southern California.  The full winter shade may significantly contribute to that.  'Golden Celebration' has a powerful citrus fragrance, though not quite as complex and alluring as that of 'Jude The Obscure'.  Close, though.  One of Austin's best roses, I think, but you must have room for it, at least here, where it revels and luxuriates in our mild climate.