I've never grown this rose and am no expert, but my gut feeling is that this rose should do quite well in a warm, dry climate. If you can provide that, I think your chances of growing the Marechal are quite good. Of course adequate water, mulching and organic fertilizing will increase your chances for success. I don't know which nursery has the best specimen, but Vintage might be a good source. Good luck!

Ingrid

I have only had Marechal Niel for one year, but they have done very well so far.
I cannot help with a supplier, as mine came from Peter Beales in England.
I have two, to climb up each side of an arbour. They were not planted there until last autumn, when the arbour was finished.
They were in full flower in their pots when I planted them, but they did not miss a beat.
They have stayed completely evergreen all winter, and now are forming buds. This is in spite of the fact that the arbour does not get any sun at all in winter, and wont get any, for about another month.
I am extremely pleased with them. They both have produced a lot of basal growth, and are fat and healthy.
I must have a similar climate to yours. I think that they would do very well for you.
Daisy

I have a 6 month old MN from Chamblee's, and it's been a vigorous grower for me.. It's now about 2 feet tall and wide, with new basal breaks. I'd read a lot about it and knew I was taking a gamble when I purchased it since it seemed like a finicky plant. . Maybe it's too early to declare it a success but I'm happy with its progress so far. It currently has a few buds, and I'm eager to see them bloom.

I'm about 15 miles inland in san Diego county, fwiw.

My MN, obtained as a band from Vintage, is beginning its 3rd year in the ground here in Livermore (hot summers, meager coastal influence, usually). It is approximately 10' tall, 4' wide, still a bit rangy but growing and blooming well. Mine is planted in full sun.

My plant also came from vintage, and I'm pleased with it.

Lux.

I think I am on my third try with this rose now as it is one I really want to grow.

I'm in hot Phoenix area and mine (from Chmablees) was planted last winter but didn't make it through our hot summer. That happens sometimes for young roses not planted earlier enough before summer begins.

But, I have one from Rogue Valley planted in a very choice spot and now have the attitide that I will give it my best but if it dies, it dies. I consider it my prima donna rose.

I think it has been the most difficult rose for me to grow, of any tea, china or tea/noisette, which is mostly what I grow.

If the current one dies, don't know if I'll try again or not. At this point, I feel like this rose has become sort of a challenge for me...

I do envy anyone who can grow it easily...

just a reminder that the large blooms droop down, so you want them over head so you can be looking up at them. Perfect for an arbor, gazebo, or grown up against a wall.

I got mine from Chamblees, also. It took a few years to grow, but it is a lovely and fragrant rose. It does well here in humid Baton Rouge.

The blooms are wonderful--look almost artificial. Well worth a second or even third try, I think. :) Mine is not super vigorous, but is getting much better since I drove out the vole that had been living in it's roots. :)