Topaz Jewel
(Hybrid Rugosa, Golden Angel x Belle Poitevine, 1984) – yellow blend. A good yellow rose had been lacking
from the Hybrid Rugosa class until Topaz Jewel. It came about quite by accident when Ralph Moore crossed
a yellow miniature with a pink Hybrid Rugosa. From what I know of Mr. Moore he was probably aiming for a
disease resistant yellow miniature but instead got a fabulous Hybrid Rugosa. We should all be thankful for
Topaz Jewel has in my opinion the best shaped flowers among its classmates. Most Hybrid Rugosas have
messy formless flowers, but Topaz Jewel’s blossoms start out high centered like a Hybrid Tea. Granted this
stage doesn’t last long but it sure is beautiful while in bud. The color is phenomenal – a deep golden yellow
bud that opens to a translucent clear yellow bloom that ages to a sun kissed ivory. Fully mature shrubs often
present blooms in several shades of yellow, providing great visual interest to the garden. The fragrance is a
spicy combination of Tea Rose and cloves which has the capacity to waft on the breeze. Least you think
Topaz Jewel is the perfect yellow rose, he does have a few issues. The shrub is very slow to mature and
can take up to 3 years before he becomes really productive. The canes are also covered with viciously sharp
thorns and the vote is still out on his disease resistance. So far I’ve read mixed reports. Winter Hardy to zone 5.
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