Polly,
I think some of the best information I gleaned (so far) from others here is that it's the rootstock used that is the most important thing for those of us in colder zones. If I remember correctly, David Austin Roses probably uses a southern type like Dr. Huey. I've not had all that great of performance from their roses here. Some have lived, but others do much better, with less care.
I'm pretty sure that we need plants with multiflora rootstock for better cold-area performance, or own-root roses.
Someone jump in here and correct me if I'm mistaken...
Northland Rosarium has some Austins. I buy there for spring planting, but so far I haven't tried one of theirs.
