The New Variety Of Rose Named After Barbra Streisand And How It Came To Be

 In Barbra Streisand's song, "Evergreen", her words "Love, soft as an easy chair ... ", perfectly frame the story of a rose that stands out just like her voice. A few years ago, Streisand and her gardener, Dan Bifano, discovered an unexpected bubble-gum pink flower on a 'Lasting Love' rose bush, which typically has deep red blooms. 

The appearance of the unusual flower is known as a "sport", a rare natural variation that sometimes leads to new rose varieties. Rose sports are formed by genetic mutations of a plant, often triggered by natural changes in the cells or environmental stresses. These mutations can result in alterations to the form or color of the flower. If undesired, they can be plucked, and the plant gradually returns to its original form. But, in this instance, In consultation with other rose experts, Bifano realized the plant's potential and carefully propagated it, ensuring each new plant carried the exact traits of the original bloom. 

Streisand is known to be a dedicated rose enthusiast with hundreds of shrubs in her care. When she saw the pink bloom, she knew she had something extraordinary and giving it a name, felt deeply personal. Thus, it came to be known as, 'Barbra's Baby', a rose that combines bright color, strong fragrance, and good disease resistance. This rose stands out as a tribute to her artistry and legacy, which is full of grace and charm. If you're on the hunt for rose varieties that will make your garden smell heavenly, this is one worth trying.

Barbra Streisand's first rose ( Rosa Barbra Streisand 'WEKquaneze'), was introduced by Tom Carruth in 2001. It was a hybrid tea rose with a lavender-purple color and exceptionally strong citrus fragrance. This rose is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is designed for a wide range of climates. The original rose reflected Streisand's desire for large, elegant blooms and a rich scent. Her second namesake, 'Barbra's Baby', is also large and elegant, but has the added perks of bubblegum pink petals and a particularly sweet fragrance.

'Barbra's Baby' is a medium sized shrub reaching a height and spread of about 3 feet. It grows perfectly in well-drained and moist soil. The plant has flowers that are about 4-5 inches wide and are ideal for cutting and floral arrangements. The best place to plant the rose is with a glossy green foliage species that provides a dramatic backdrop and makes the color pop. With such a bold and beautiful quality, 'Barbra's Baby' proves that it embodies the star's essence.

Only 2000 plants were made available to the public as part of the initial launch, and these sold out very quickly. If you decide you want one of these special rose bushes, you'll have to keep an eye out for their availability. In general, it's a good idea to select rose varieties that are disease-resistant to encourage healthy growth. You can also explore tips and tricks for growing beautiful roses from seeds if you're feeling adventurous and are highly inspired by Streisand's garden legacy.