Like most purple roses, the size and color of the flowers varies with the temperature, and this rose seems to be biggest and darkest when the weather is cooler. Since the brutal 95+ degree summer days have set in, the old-fashioned cupped blossoms have been coming in somewhat smaller, and have turned a lighter lavender-mauve with intriguing smoky overtones. They're still quite lovely though, not at all "washed out," and are still the star of the show even when surrounded by dark purple Salvias and Irises. The fragrance of 'Ebb Tide' is officially described as "strong clove," but once again my defective nose says, "Huh?" What I detect is a strong delicious deep perfume that is best described as "pure heavenly typical rose." So far my healthy, glossy little bush has never been out of bloom for even a day. Dr. Leda