This rose is new for me, just purchased it this fall from the Antique Rose Emporium. The blooms are a gorgeous deep red, many petals, and the bush has kept its leaves all winter, not seeming to be bothered by blackspot. I was told it is a cousin to the English roses. I had not heard of it before, but it looks to be a winner.
Jean Rex is just a beautiful rose trhat was bred by a man with ther last name of Rex. It doesn't have any connection to the David nAustin roses at all. But still it is a lovely rose for the garden.
HMF lists Austin's Prospero as parent to this sport, not The Squire, which is a much bigger bush than the restrained Prospero/RexJean. So does Heritage Roses. I grow both Prospero and RJ in the same 10 gallon pot and they are differentiated only by the red vs purple color of the blooms.
I bought this rose from Hortico Nurseries, Inc. in November of 2003. It came through a harsh Zone 7 Washington, DC. 2003-2004 Winter Season with flying colors. I purchased it for its deep red color. First bloom opened May 7, 2004, and it is unreal. There must be 100 petals, fragrance is light, although it is cool out today. I have it planted in an 18" terracotta pot with saucer and pot feet. It has a southern exposure on an east facing balcony with all day sun. Time will tell how it grows. The bloom is beautiful, a medium to deep red in color. Will post more photos as time allows.
