I'm looking for a rose that is genuinely thorn-free ... or at least very close to it. Any suggestions?
My 88yo grandfather has recently become enamoured by roses, and wants me to plant out a bed along the side of his home. My worry is that this is along a path where many elderly people pass by (he is in an aged self-care unit) so I want to avoid scratches on frail old skin.
I'm aware Swanes has some called "smooth touch" - has anyone grown these - or other suggestions? I guess it would also be sensible to having compact, upright growth to keep it clear of the path, so hybrid tea sounds obvious, but I'm not wedded to that if there's something suitable.
I have just come across an ad in an old Gardening Australia magazine that may be what you are looking for. I have no experience with them at all, but they look good in the photos!
If the pink sport of 'Gruss an Aachen' is available in Australia, it would be perfect for your needs ('Pink Gruss an Aachen'). Unlike the original Gruss, the pink sport that is sold in the U.S. is virtually thornless. It is sometimes inaccurately referred to as 'Irene Watts'.
climbing pinkie is thornless and some cut flower roses if you bud them off for own use and a new pink and white flower from delbard roses i got from bunnings and there is another one i got from bunnings pinkish to white flowers no name sorry.
