The Inspiration Behind ‘Space Maiden’
By Sue Longhini, Founder of Rocky Mountain Rose Lab
Did you know that roses have flown in space? The first rose to leave Earth was ‘Overnight Scentsation’ (SAVanight), an intensely fragrant, pink miniflora created by hybridizer F. Harm Saville in 1990. The space shuttle Discovery launched with the rose aboard on October 29, 1998 to conduct collaborative experiments between the International Flavors and Fragrances company (IFF) and NASA. The intention was to study rose fragrance in a microgravity environment. Results showed that ‘Overnight Scentsation’ produced fewer essential oils in space, therefore weakening and altering the fragrance.
I have always been fascinated by rose experimentation and the knowledge that we can gain from these beloved plants. I learned about the “space rose” during my early years of rose hybridizing and had just bred a pretty, light pink seedling. It had weightless, delicate-looking petals, but was also healthy and strong, proving that it could overcome the challenges of complex growing conditions. I was reminded of the look of ‘Overnight Scentsation’ and its grueling journey into orbit. The name ‘Space Maiden’ was born*!
The hypnotic pink blooms of this rose carry a light fragrance & are as long-lasting on the bush as they are when cut for indoor bouquets. Disease resistant and hardy, this compact floribunda will certainly blast into the hearts of many. ‘Space Maiden’ has already demonstrated that she can thrive in the most demanding garden settings. Will she one day grow on another planet? Only time will tell…
*‘Space Maiden’ was bred by Sue Longhini of Rocky Mountain Rose Lab and introduced by High Country Roses in Broomfield, Colorado. It is available for purchase exclusively at www.highcountryroses.com with shipping to the USA and Canada