Wild Blue Yonder Texas Grandiflora Rose

Wild Blue Yonder Texas Grandiflora Rose – does have more of a blue tinge than I was able to capture. You see it here planted in front of the yellow shrub rose, Julia Child.

This is the first lavender-toned Rose to win an All-America Rose Selection in more than 20 years and won Portland’s Best Rose in 2010.

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Wild Blue Yonder Rose for Texas: a true bluish rose tint. This rose really is that bluish pink.

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Wild Blue Yonder Rose for Texas: a true bluish rose tint.

Key Features

Color: Velvety, warm wine-purple petals layered over rich lavender hues.
Fragrance: A robust blend of citrus and classic rose scents.
Bloom Form: Medium to large, ruffled, cupped blooms with 25–40 petals.
Size: Upright, bushy growth reaching 4–5 feet in height with a 3–4 foot spread.
Bloom Cycle: Repeat bloomer from spring through fall.
Foliage: Semi-glossy, deep green leaves.
Hardiness: Thrives in USDA Zones 5–9.
Disease Resistance: Exhibits strong resistance to common rose diseases.

Suitability for Texas Gardens

Given its heat tolerance and disease resistance, Wild Blue Yonder™ performs well in various Texas climates, including the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Its vibrant blooms and strong fragrance make it an excellent choice for borders, hedges, or as a focal point in garden beds.

Awards and Recognition

All-America Rose Selections (AARS) Winner (2006): Recognized for exceptional performance across diverse climates and garden conditions in the U.S.
Portland Gold Medal Recipient: Honored for outstanding garden performance and beauty .

About the Breeder: Tom Carruth

Tom Carruth is a distinguished American rose hybridizer with over 100 rose varieties to his name, including eleven AARS winners. A Texas native, Carruth earned his master’s degree in plant breeding from Texas A&M University. After a prolific career at Weeks Roses, he now serves as the E.L. and Ruth B. Shannon Curator of the Rose Collections at the Huntington Library in California

Q: Is ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ a good rose for Texas gardens?
A: Yes, it performs well in many parts of Texas, especially in areas with good air circulation and morning sun to help prevent mildew. It’s known for heat tolerance, though it appreciates some afternoon shade in the hottest zones.

Q: What color is the ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ rose really?
A: Despite the name, it’s not a true blue. The blooms are a bluish-tinged magenta or deep raspberry-purple, often described as lavender with a plum haze. In cooler temps, the blue-lavender undertone is more noticeable. In Texas heat, it may lean more toward rich mauve or reddish-purple.

Q: Does ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ have any awards?
A: Yes. It won the All-America Rose Selection (AARS) award in 2006, which means it excelled in test gardens across the U.S. for vigor, fragrance, disease resistance, and beauty.

Q: How fragrant is it?
A: Very! It’s known for a strong citrus and spice fragrance, making it a favorite among scent lovers.

Q: Is it resistant to disease in Texas?
A: It has moderate resistance to common rose diseases like black spot and mildew. With proper spacing, watering at the base, and sunlight, it holds up well, even in humid East Texas conditions and great in the drier areas.

Q: How big does it get?
A: ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ is a grandiflora, typically growing 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It works well as a tall background plant or focal point in the garden.