Chicago Peace Rose

The Chicago Peace rose is a commonly found offshoot of the famous Peace plant.

It’s named after the Windy City because it was originally discovered there back in 1962.  It’s actually a mutation of the regular breed.   Somehow it ended up with a red and peach hue, whereas the regular version was a basic pink and yellow.  Not a big variation in my book, but big enough to merit a new name.  Since then it’s become probably the most popular Peace variety.  It makes you think you should check your own background for funky versions of other flowers! 

For a gardening and care perspective, you can handle it just like it’s parent.  If it can survive in Chicago then it can survive anywhere!  It’s a very tough hybrid tea.  You’ll find it planted from coast to coast, and in between, and from Canada to Miami.  It’s very versatile and will bloom even with neglect and tough conditions.  While it can handle the cold, below zone 5 at least you’ll want to take steps to properly winterize these.  Leaving them overexposed may kill it off.  Some people have reported occasional blackspot but it seems to be more of a neglect issue and poor watering habits.  What I have heard also, but haven’t confirmed, is that occasionally stems can have blooms that match the original Peace rose, not the Chicago.  I’m not sure how that happens. Some gardeners recommend to cut those canes off, but I think a mixed color bush might be an interesting sight.  Definitely let us know if you see one!

Gardeners rave about this rose.  It really is a stunning beauty!  You’ll get the repeat blooms of a hybrid tea.  The flowers are large, up to 6 inches in some spots.   It’s a good vigorous grower up to 5 feet in some cases