As my Avitar shows I DO bother with hybrid tea roses and spraying fungicides during prime disease season in our climate is pretty much standard (maybe 6-8 times a season). And not to debate the point, but not all Hybrid Teas are "fussy" disease ridden Divas. Like people, there are some that are more disease prone then others. If, like me, you are more into enjoying them rather then constantly working on them, you choose your varieties accordingly. Insecticides however are another matter. I can tell you from experience that the less you have to use them the better off your garden will be..........Cannas are another good choice for the hot/humid garden. Not my favorite plant for some reason, but some varieties have lovely colored foliage as well as the blooms.....One of the best ever blooming plants that has become a standard in my garden is another marginal perennial used as an annual, "Verbena Sissinghurst". I've never grown any Verbena that flowers as long and as well. During mild winter years it will over winter, but it's easily attainable from Bluestone Perennials if it dies out........Maryl
