Our fundamental distinction lies in our genetic lineage. Heirloom varieties, like 'Cupani' or 'Painted Lady', are open-pollinated and have been cultivated for at least 50 years, often much longer. This means our genetic code is stable and we will produce offspring true to type from our own saved seeds. Our flowers are often smaller, but we express a profound intensity of fragrance—a complex, rich, and intoxicating scent developed over centuries. Modern varieties, conversely, are often the result of complex hybridization programs. Breeders select for specific traits, sometimes at the expense of others. While this can lead to spectacular visual results, the gene for potent fragrance can be less prominent in their makeup, leading to a sometimes milder scent profile.
Our approach to flowering is also a key differentiator. Heirloom varieties typically exhibit a more restrained, classical growth habit. We produce a prolific number of blooms, but each stem is often shorter and may carry fewer flowers. Our blossoms are elegant and often feature a distinctive winged standard petal, a trait cherished by enthusiasts. Modern varieties have been selectively bred for dramatic floral displays. This includes extremely long stems, ideal for cutting, and a multitude of large, often ruffled, flowers per stem. The color palette in modern types is vastly expanded, including vibrant bi-colors, deep blues, and even near-black shades, achievements made possible through targeted breeding that we heirlooms simply do not possess.
From a physiological perspective, our resilience differs. Heirloom varieties are often more finely attuned to specific seasonal rhythms. We tend to perform best in the cooler temperatures of spring and early summer, potentially faltering as intense heat arrives. Our vigor is moderate but steady. Modern varieties frequently incorporate genes for increased disease resistance, particularly to mildew, which is a common ailment for our kind. Many modern types are also bred for "heat tolerance," allowing them to continue flowering longer into the warm season. However, this intense focus on productivity and disease resistance can sometimes mean modern varieties are less hardy overall and may be more dependent on ideal growing conditions to express their full potential.
A crucial botanical difference is our reproductive strategy. Heirloom varieties are dedicated to completing our life cycle efficiently. We flower profusely but will then readily set seed pods, signaling to the plant that its reproductive mission is accomplished. This can lead to a shorter overall flowering period if spent blooms are not religiously deadheaded. Modern varieties, particularly the "Spencer" types and grandifloras, are often selected for delayed seed setting. This sterile or near-sterile characteristic encourages the plant to continue producing flowers in an attempt to reproduce, significantly extending the blooming season for the gardener without the need for constant deadheading.
