Polly - RU. Roses Unlimited. The one Austin I have (Molineux) is from RU and has done admirably. (at least I think I have only 1 Austin.. )

Thanks ladies!

I'd like to second Toni's suggestion of Buck roses. Two that impressed me when I lived in NJ (Z6b) were Carefree Beauty and Hawkeye Belle. They were both growing in a local botanical garden. Carefree Beauty was being grown as a 6 ft tall hedge. At its peak, it could cover itself with pink roses, and when it did, I found it the most impressive rose in the garden. Hawkeye Belle was grown in a bed by a path where it was trimmed to about 20 inches high. At its peak, it too would cover itself in pale pink roses that were perfectly formed, very impressive too. Folksinger was also in that garden and it looked good there, but it did not really distinguish itself from other good shrub roses.

Other Buck roses that have tempted me are April Moon, Prairie Star, and Prairie Sunset and Winter Sunset. I planted Honeysweet from Rogue Valley Roses, last year, and hopefully in five or six years I'll be able to say whether I like it or not growing here in zone 7b.

Thank you, Steve!

I have April Moon on its own roots here. It's been here two years and hasn't impressed me much so far. It has had a few blooms that are delightfully shaped and very attractive, but it's not a strong-grower for me. Maybe this year it will hit its stride?? If not, I think I'd better move it, or try something else. It is in a spot that's partially shaded, so that could be a factor.

Hawkeye Belle is on my *someday* list.

I am thinking of getting rid of 'Golden Showers" It has struggled for the years I have had it, moved it at least 2 times and not much to be said for it...Anyone think it is a strong plant? Doesn't seem to be for me.

indygardengal said:I am thinking of getting rid of 'Golden Showers" It has struggled for the years I have had it, moved it at least 2 times and not much to be said for it...Anyone think it is a strong plant? Doesn't seem to be for me.

I have two. They seem to be growing okay (second year also), but I don't see a whole lot of blooms. I plan to cut mine back a bit at the end of winter to see if I can get it to generate some more budding branches. Right now, they're just 6 or 7 longish whips.

Yep. That is what mine are, maybe I will give it another chance. I get excited when I see the buds and then it just seems to go down hill the farther into summer it gets...Longish whips is a good descriptions.

Hawkeye Belle is an awesome rose. I got that from RU in 2010 (I think) and it's a stunning rose once it finally gets going. The first few blooms were odd looking, but further into the season it was gorgeous. Rose (Rosa 'Hawkeye Belle')

I have Golden Showers and it has survived my slovenly care practices for years. When it gets plenty of water (like when it rains) the plant does very well: blooms repeatedly and puts on lush new growth. It is not my favorite rose but I have to admire its toughness.

Looks awesome..I definitely want a new rose or two but the choices have my brain swirling.

Veronica - don't limit yourself to 1 or 2, unless you're talking dozen. They're like Lays Potato Chips (and cats)... can't have just one. Is there anything in specific in a rose you're looking for?

Pretty easy care and not so prone to blackspot..It is very hot and humid here in S Indiana. I am sure dreaming of some..I have a cherry meidiland and today somewhere on the web I saw a pink one..I really like the single blooms but I like the full blooms too.

Easiest care, of course, are the Earthkind roses. There have gotten to be quite a choice.

erk, can't help you much.. don't have blackspot problems! Gotta have moisture in order to have blackspot

Thanks, I'll look at the Earthkind!

I am not in your zone but I am in a humid climate and do not spray for anything. If you are interested in information about a particular Earthkind rose just ask - I have them all. Some have done a lot better resisting blackspot for me than others.

I have not looked at the Earthkind website...I will google it...

Cinco De Mayo is not a pink rose, but it's hardy here in zone 5b on its own roots, and it's blackspot free even in our high humidity summers and *wet the rest of the year* conditions;-)

I have just a few of pink roses that have survived quite well. I don't do pink, sawwy. But Our Lady de Guadalupe (http://www.helpmefind.com/rose...), Hot Princess (http://www.helpmefind.com/gard...), California Dreamin' (http://www.helpmefind.com/rose...), Sonia (http://www.helpmefind.com/rose...), Gemini (http://www.helpmefind.com/rose...), Teresa Bugnet (http://www.helpmefind.com/rose...), Hawkeye Belle (http://www.helpmefind.com/gard...), .. those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head that have survived a minimum of 2 winters here for me (I have at least 1 more but can't remember the name.. 5-petal, starts with an "E", very very very fragrant). I can't guarantee ANY of them w/blackspot. that's not something I get here so I'm no help. In fact, only late in the season does my Austrian Copper, a blackspot magnet if there ever was one, develops it. Plus, do realize that I mulch the living snot out of everything (except for Theresa.. she has no mulch but sits right next to the house).