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The Antique Rose Emporium catalogue states that it received the name because the bush resembles a blueberry bush in shape, growth habit, and colorful autumn foliage... It has proven that it doesn't require any attention beyond sunlight and water. The plant is completely prickle-free and a joy to touch. The canes are more erect, with larger, softer leaves than 'Basye's Thornless'. It usually blooms in small clusters at the ends of the branches. The buds are longer than those of 'Basye's Thornless', with longer sepals. The 3-3 1/2 inch semi-double, open, flat flowers are a bright, pretty lilac-pink, and are illuminated by plentiful, bright yellow pollen. In its first year in my garden, it's not been out of bloom all summer. There is even a strong, sweet fragrance. I don't see why 'Basye's Blueberry' couldn't be used wherever you wanted a perpetual-blooming shrub. A conversation with Dr. Byrne at Texas A&M uncovered the parentage as 'Commander Gillette' x ['Commander Gillette' x (R. virginiana alba x 'Betty Morse')]. So far, the Antique Rose Emporium is the only source, but expect more rose nurseries to offer 'Basye's Blueberry' once its sterling qualities are discovered.

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'Basye's Purple' is a rare, totally distinctive rose. The Antique Rose Emporium catalogue reveals that this one came from a cross of R. rugosa x R. foliosa and provides its bloom all summer long. The plant resembles a rather refined rugosa with much-branched growth. Each limb ends in a cluster of long, pointed, rugosa-like buds. The glands on the bright green sepals have a purple cast to them, and the bright green leaves age purple. These flowers have to be seen to be believed... The flowers are about two inches across, with five very wise, wavy velvet petals. You've never seen a bloom in this color! The closest I can describe to you is the color of a black light. Remember the ultraviolet purple bulbs used to make fluorescent paint glow in the dark? These flowers are the color of those bulbs. It's luminous, deep and brilliant, and the color extends to the pistil, stamen and anthers as well. Each anther has an outline of pale yellow to brighten and highlight the deep, saturated purple. What really surprised me though, is that the flowers don't burn in my hot, desert garden, and when they fade, the color is still dark and pure. 'Basye's Purple' suckers like its rugosa parent and will make a wonderful, constant-blooming thicket. I can see it in a large, mixed border where it will colonize and provide delicious combinations of color and texture. I can also imagine it used to stabilize a hillside and provide an incredibly colored view.