Hybrid Tea Rose 'Sterling Silver': Fisher's 1957 Lavender Legend

Introduced in 1957 by Gladys Fisher, 'Sterling Silver' (PP1433) is the rose that launched the lavender revolution. Before its introduction, lavender roses were weak, disease-prone novelties. 'Sterling Silver' changed everything—vigorous, healthy, and a true, clear lavender that captivated the world.

Botanical Profile

The high-centered buds open into large, perfect hybrid tea flowers, a luminous, silvery lavender with a satin sheen. The fragrance is strong, sweet, and distinctly citrus-rose. The plant is tall and upright, 5-6 feet, with dark green, leathery foliage. 'Sterling Silver' became the parent of virtually every modern lavender rose—'Angel Face', 'Blue Girl', 'Lagerfeld', and countless others trace their lineage to this one cultivar. It proved that the elusive lavender color could coexist with vigor and health. A legend in silver, the mother of a color dynasty.