In celebration of Springs75 rose

The rose is a very tall, moderate shrub, named after the city in honour of its 75th anniversary.

With the exciting, novel characteristics of a bush rose, with large flowers in open clusters, it is ideally suited to transform Springs into a colourful park.

The rose has a distinct pink colour, as well as an unique, sweet fragrance.

During the 75th anniversary of Springs, three municipal members recommended that council consider having a special rose cultivated for the occasion.

The three men involved in the planning of the rose were the late Bob van Heerden, who was the mayor of Springs at the time, the late Piet Smit, the public relations officer, and Eddie Marshall, head of the parks department.

Ludwig Taschner, owner of Ludwig Roses, in Pretoria, was contacted and requested to cultivate a rose that would adapt to the climate on the East Rand.

He gladly accepted this challenge and a cluster of blooms were born, thus the Springs75 rose served its purpose.

According to Marshall, more than 100 roses were purchased and planted on Paul Kruger Highway.

The beautiful rose cultivar still compliments many rose gardens in Springs.

According to Gert Parsons, mayor of Springs for the period 1984 to 1985, many of these roses are planted in parks and private homes in the city.

“During my inauguration as president of the Transvaal Municipal Association for the term from 1991 to 1992, we donated a rose as a gift to all the delegates, for it to be planted all over Transvaal.

Parsons believes it is a rather successful rose.