David Austin roses are superb, and many of them do extremely well here in Central Texas. My favorite is Bibi Mazoon, with Dark Lady running a close second. Brother Cadfael, Winchester Cathedral, Tamora (thorny as the devil, but sweet scented and gorgeous), Charles Darwin, the list goes on and on. I am a DA enthusiast! The only ones I have had problems with here in Texas are the Pilgrim (just didn't thrive), Bianca (poor growth) and Graham Thomas, who up and suddenly died after about six years. The failures were probably my fault.
Talk to the folks at Chamblee's about David Austin roses--they really know their stuff. Have no fear that the DAs will survive, thrive, and give you great pleasure in your area. Heck, they even did well in upstate NY!

In Dallas, the problem I had is that they love to grow into almost climbers before putting out flowers - so watch the fine print descriptions that say "vigorous" or "rapid growth". That said, Graham Thomas grows like a weed, and bloomed in the heat of summer. Shakespeare is in my garden now, and bloomed constantly last year - an interesting purplish pink flourescent rather than the red description provided. Pat Austin does well here, as does Abraham Darby. I absolutely adored the smell and look of Othello - taller bush, huge, rude thorns - but the most awesome big blooms and color and smell. One warning. The ones I have had put down one huge tap root to China, with minor supporting roots. It is darn near impossible to move them once established without cutting that root - I lost my Othello that way trying to move it to a location with more sun in hopes of increasing the blooms. So make sure you like the location. Also remember they bloom in flushes, then nothing for a while, so if you want constant color, this may not be the rose type for you...

terry

Thank you sooo much. I did talk to the ppl at Chamblees and they were soo helpful. I took your rec and bought
3 Charlotte, a Glamis Castle, 2 Jude the Obscure, 1 Golden Celebration, 1 James Galway, 3 Evelyn, 1 Tamora, and 1 Graham Thomas (for my friend I teach with).
I can't wait to get them in the ground tomorrow. Again, thanks.