Viewing post #680732 by lovemyhouse

Thank you, OldGardener. Sandra, yes, February is the best time to plant roses, here; however, because we have such mild winters (usually!), you could plant in September if you wanted to. Plenty of time for it to establish a good root system. Just don't fertilize until Spring. If it will help maintain enthusiasm against the 'container' gardeners around you, go forth and plant! If anticipation will help get you through the brown and crackly winter months, wait until the week after Valentine's Day.

If you decide to look for a Don Juan now, Chamblee's in Tyler might have it. These are own-root and will most likely be smaller than grafted when mature, and the initial size you get might look small to you. But they are always healthy, priced right, and no one in our area knows more about growing roses than they do.
http://www.chambleeroses.com/o...

Keep in mind Girl Scouts, too, when looking for volunteer help.