weather

In the summer of 2009’s weather extremes, in fact, roughly three out of every four gardeners surveyed nationwide said Flower Carpet® Next Generation easy-care roses performed better than other rose varieties. And of those who grew only Flower Carpet roses, two out of three noted the brand out-performed their other shrubs and perennials.

“I’ve spent thousands on the plants in my yard, but everyone asks me about my Carpet roses,” says Vincent Johns of West Virginia, one of 45 members of the National Home Gardening Club taking part in the survey (the group is known for its objective home testing of gardening products).

 Johns experienced a very wet summer this year – and he wasn’t the only one noticing the wacky weather. All respondents in the Northeast reported excess rain and coolness, while between 50 and 100 percent of respondents in the six other zones reporting extremes at both ends of the spectrum (excess rain/coolness and dryness/heat.

Testers put all three colors in the Next Generation line – Pink Supreme, Scarlet and Amber – through their rigorous paces in 37 states located in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11.

In addition to the overwhelming majority of respondents reporting Flower Carpet’s better performance compared with other roses, shrubs and perennials, 82 percent also reported no pest problems. A significant number (80 percent) also said they would recommend all three colors in Flower Carpet’s Next Generation series to their friends

“I definitely would recommend Flower Carpet roses to my friends, “ said Jackie Wilcox, a home garden tester from South Dakota. “They’re easy to take care of, they look great and they establish themselves very fast for the most part. As for a favorite color, I’m partial to the Scarlet. I love the color against the dark, shiny, green leaves!”