Hi, i live in Pearland TX. I bought Abraham Darby and Mayflower last year. Abe is really beautiful and fragrant but unfortunately gets lots of thrips in my area and also quite a lot of BS. Its the worst affected out of the whole. The blooms are smaller in summer (well, what can we expect with TX summers). I have no issues with Mayflower, very healthy. just lots and lots of thorns. Blooms quite well. I have it in a slightly shaded location.

The only one I had was Just Joey. It was gorgeous but not a very vigorous grower and didn't winter well but that shouldn't be as much of a problem for you.

I have "Darlow's Enigma", "Sexy Rexy" and "The Mayflower" in your list. They were purchased in late July from 50% off sale. (the same nursery I believe...)

I potted them in 2-gallon pots. Though they were "stick" size bands---
Now "Darlow's engima" has 2-3 ft long stems. I need to find a place for it, since it seems will be a big bush from HMF.

I let "The Mayflower" sit in its small pot for three weeks. But it took off very quick and now has many nice flower buds.

"Sexy Rexy" is very impressive. It has very nice pink flowers and doesn't take any breaks of flowering after the first bud appeared. And, the flowers keep its shape and COLOR under hot sun for more than a week. (I also purchased "Bonica". The flowers fade into white which I dont really like.)

Roses are NEVER impulse purchases. Banish the thought! Roses are necessary for our souls, and we obtain them any way we can, whenever we can.

ilovemyroses, have you heard anything about Rose Dango this year in Farmers Branch? I've read that McKinney will have theirs, but can't find anything regarding F. Branch.

I have Abraham Darby, for years it was a black spot magnet, but all of a sudden snapped out of it. Beautiful, and the scent is amazing.
ogrose

I have The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild but don't know that I'd recommend it for a hot climate like yours and mine. I have a young plant with thin floppy canes and flowers that shatter very quickly, especially in the heat. I wouldn't order it again, although the flowers are pretty.

Ingrid

I've purchased a couple of real winners on impulse, but these were purchased while at the Antique Rose Emporium. I have never done an impulse purchase online, but I don't think it's a bad idea.
By the way, OGRose, here's info on Farmer's Branch this year.
http://www.farmersbranch.info/sites/default/files/Celebration%20of%20Roses%20schedule.pdf
Molly

Another vote for Just Joey. Gorgeous color and fragrance. Loves the heat.
Abe Darby seems to have two alternating bloom seasons: Black Spot, and Rust. Not to mention terminal indecision on whether to be a shrub or a climber. He sleeps with the shovels.

Kay

I have Just Joey (2 of them) and Gemini. Just Joey remains one of my favorites of all time. The blooms are to die for. It's hardy, disease resistent in my climate, and a superb repeater. For me it's a must have. Gemini is new for me this year. I think it has some of the prettiest blooms I've ever seen.

GRAB BOTH!!!

Abe Darby is a big healthy bush for me. The bush gets bigger and better every year. I think you will like it. Gemini should do well for you. It takes a few years to get setteled in. During the spring and fall the blooms are beautiful. Summer the blooms are small and it will get black spot if not sprayed.

Jardine, what did you get at ARE? Many of my roses came from there.