My understanding has been that Eglantyne is one of the older Austins that is quite beautiful, but not bred for bs resistance. A number of Austins newer roses are pretty good on disease resistance, but no one was particularly thinking about such things back when the earlier Austins were produced.

If you want a lovely Austin pink, try Scepter'd Isle or Queen of Sweden or Queen Alexandra of Kent (though she may be somewhat shorter). Those three are probably much better on bs resistance.

Hope that helps.

Kate

I have grown Eglantyne for many years and at two different locations. Years ago, it seemed wonderful, and I was so pleased with it, I got three more for my current garden. The first couple of years were great, but it's been downhill ever since. I realize I'm not addressing the blackspot issue for you (we don't get any), but this rose is so delicate, that after a beautiful initial show in the spring, it just dries up and fades to white in the heat. It has no vase life, but then it doesn't have the stems for a bouquet. It's growth habit is big (7 feet here) and with lots of random canes shooting out all over the place. In other words, despite fleeting beauty, it's become a turkey, and I now have just one for sentimental reasons. The scent is gorgeous, but what a prima donna. The newer Austins, as Kate points out, and in my experience, too, are so much better. Diane