White Lightnin'
(Grandiflora, 1980) – snowy white. When people ask me what is a good fragrant white rose suitable for
cutting I always recommend White Lightnin’. Any rose with Angel Face in its parental background is
bound to be beautiful and this cultivar is a doozy. Like its seed parent White Lightnin’ has ruffled petals
that give the high centered blooms a petticoat appearance (very romantic looking if you ask me). Form is
top notch and flowers look really pretty in bouquets. The buds are a creamy white that lightens as the bloom
opens to a dazzling snow white. The blooms appear in clusters on medium stems that present blooms in all
stages of development (White Lightnin’ acts more like a Floribunda than a Grandiflora). Fragrance is sharp and
crisp that some liken to the scent of lemon blossoms. Regardless how you interpret the fragrance it is strong
and wonderful. Growth habit is bushy and shrubs top out at 4 feet. This rose does well in hot and humid climates
(i.e. the Deep South). Winter hardy to zone 7.*
Back to Fragrant Rose List