R. 'Nicandra Newman'

‘Nicandra Newman’ was hybridized by Loyd Newcomb in 1970 in Snohomish, Washington, from the cross ‘Anna’ × ‘Cotton Candy’. It was grown to first flower in 1980 and subsequently named, introduced, and registered by Loyd and Edna Newcomb in 1991–1992.

The flowers are the outstanding feature. They are very large, fragrant, openly funnel-shaped blooms, approximately 4½ inches across, with five to seven slightly frilled lobes. The official registration describes them as very pale purple, edged in deeper purplish pink, with a prominent dark-red throat and additional reddish speckling above the throat. The reverse of the petals is light purplish pink with darker rays.

The flowers are carried in large, ball-shaped trusses of approximately 12–14 blooms, with trusses reaching about 7 inches across and 7 inches high. The combination of enormous individual flowers, full trusses, fragrance, and the contrasting dark throat makes this a particularly showy cultivar.

The foliage is also impressive. The leaves are large, glossy, elliptic, and dark green, generally about 5–6¾ inches long and 2–2½ inches wide. The plant has an upright, spreading habit and is described as very floriferous.