Are they coming from Pickering? It is possible that you will get a few flowers from them next spring. Nothing spectacular, but just a few blooms that you can see the color and probably fragrance. Blooms could be smaller in size and sometimes fragrance is not there yet, so don't be dissapointed. I would say approx 50% of their galiicas give me this preview in their first season, fall or spring planting really doesn't make a big difference. Roses planted now will develop with the same speed as roses planted next spring, based on my experience. They all should bloom nicely in spring of 2010 for you.

Olga

I concur with Olga's assessment: if these are from Pickering, you will see a few blooms from most (but possibly not all) of them next Spring. You may see only a bloom here and there, but most will at least give you a preview of things to come. Just don't cut them down too short.

Yes, they'll be from Pickering. I'm still deciding on what exactly I want to order, but it will most definitely include Belle Isis, Tuscany (either regular or Superb), and Hippolyte plus more eventually.

Thanks y'all. I was hoping for a little preview on at least some!

teeandcee,
Make sure you include either 'Duchesse de Buccleugh' or 'Duchesse de Montebello' on your list.....or BOTH if you can. The former produces some of the most lush, full blooms of all the Gallicas, and they are large and well scented. The latter blooms with one of the softest colors of this class and the fragrance is exceptional. Both are well mannered shrubs and both bloom with abandon. I would also highly recommend 'James Mason', which is truly a beacon in the garden when in full flush. It has a color unrivaled in its class and the blooms are huge. It makes a real spectacle in the garden.

Regards,
Paul

'Duchesse de Buccleugh' has great flowers, but it is one of the gallicas that get significant BS here. Don't know how it would be in Missouri.
Olga

I so agree with Paul about the Duchesse-be sure to give them plenty of room. Hippolyte is so beautiful. My other personal favorite is Belle sans Flatterie Oh and Duc de Guiche. I just got a James Mason this week from them. I am glad to hear it is so good. I know it will need a good place.

patricia

Alright! I'm expecting you people to show up and help me plant if you're going to keep suggesting all these beautiful roses!

Seriously, I've added James Mason. I think I'd planned on that one all along and forgot along the way. I adore that exact type of rose. I've heard Tuscany is flatter than Superb, which is why it's my preference on that one.

Duchesse de Montebello is really pretty. The flowers are very "sweet" and soft in color, very soft pink from what I can recall, fading to white. Very agreeable in my opinion. I tinkered with my homemade "deer off" formula and I think I may have done something to it's leaves this year, rather cruddy, but I suspect it was the vinegar...never use vinegar on roses! But I can't say I can recall having to pull off leaves due to BS much. Also, the habit is twiggier than my Tuscany Superb, definitely shows some china blood.

But then again I have a very high tolerance for untidiness, some people might not tolerate crud on leaves.

If Pickering has Leda, you need her too. She's a very very pretty Damask. Ispahan as well...I still need to get her myself, but recall Olga's is HUGE.