Q: How strong is the fragrance?
A: Exceptionally strong. It is considered one of the most fragrant roses, with a classic, sweet old-rose perfume that can perfume an entire garden . It has won awards for its fragrance.
Q: How dark are the blooms?
A: The flowers are a velvety, deep crimson red that appears almost black in the heat of summer or in bud form, giving it a dramatic, mysterious appearance .
Q: How does it compare to 'Mr. Lincoln' rose?
A: 'Oklahoma' is very similar to 'Mr. Lincoln' but is generally considered to have even darker, richer blooms and an even stronger fragrance, though it may be slightly less cold-hardy . Both have excellent disease resistance.
Q: Is it a good cut flower?
A: Yes, the very large, velvety blooms on long, sturdy stems make it an exceptional choice for cutting, lasting well in a vase and filling a room with fragrance .
Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 7-10. In zone 6, it can be grown with significant winter protection. In colder zones, it may be grown in a container and overwintered indoors .
Q: How should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes. In warm climates, reduce remaining canes by about one-third. In cold climates, you may need to prune back more heavily, as winter dieback is more common .