Ebb Tide

Where to plant. Modern 'dark gothic' borders, contrasts with silver foliage, group plantings of 3–5 bushes for a dramatic accent.

Climate. Down to −20 °C — in Ukraine with winter protection in northern regions.

Care. Minimal, thanks to the absence of prickles and good resistance. Removing spent flower trusses encourages new waves. A sunny, airy site.

Name. 'Ebb Tide' — English for 'ebb tide, falling wave'; the name conveys the deep, almost purple-ocean colour of the flower.

Breeding. Bred by Tom Carruth in the USA; introduced by Weeks Roses in 2004. Breeding code WEKsmopur. Patents: US PP18,850, AU4698P, NZ 2906. Synonym Purple Eden®. Parentage is complex: [(Sweet Chariot × Blue Nile) × Stephens' Big Purple] × [(International Herald Tribune × R. soulieana derivative) × (Sweet Chariot × Blue Nile)].

Significance. One of the best-known deep purple floribundas of the XXI century. It became the benchmark for the 'dark gothic' floribunda in the USA — breeders compare new dark varieties directly with Ebb Tide. It combines a rare dark plum palette with a strong clove-and-citrus fragrance and practically no prickles.