Oh my, I thought I was the only one with a bad spring flush on roses. Only half the blooms as I had last year. I'm pretty sure it is just the weather. Frederic Mistral is beautiful. Even if it was the only bloom it would be worth the wait.

Very nice FM bloom Sara Ann!

I so agree Sara. I had a really good spring thankfully but the last week or two the brown buds and thrip damage is showing. Luckily it's near the end of my spring flush but now it's the Japanese beetles. It always seems to be one thing or another but it's so worth it and there's always some beautiful blooms unscathed to take inside to enjoy. Love your FM. Judy

What a beautiful rose Sara. I have always found your roses inspirational but I think any rose growers know it is a challenge. Of all the nurseries I go to, I am the only one crazy enough to buy a bunch of roses. I usually see people buy one or two but not like a cart full of them. I try to avoid their gazing eyes. I am sure they look at me and pitied me..lol

Speaking of JB, I may cut all the second wave blooms before they open this year to see if that would deter them a bit. I was advised not to do that by a friend from a botanical garden but I want to experiment with it. He suggested the use of traps but I am conflicted about that.

You might consider setting up bird perches next to JB infestations. The birds like to perch on the wires I put up during the winter for ham radio.

That is one gorgeous rose, Sara. I wish I have room to grow it.

Sara-Ann, i thought your roses were lovely...especially loved the Poseidon.

Sara, that's one of the most beautiful Frederic blooms I've seen. He's a favorite of mine with his fabulous scent, but my Fred, along with my precious Evelyns, are total thrips magnets. The damage has begun on Evelyn and Augusta Luise, another of my favorites. I suppose Fred will be next. I hope you don't have this trouble with yours. He will be a big boy, too. Anyway, your photo is stunning. I hope you enjoy Frederic's blooms and have a wonderful gardening summer. Diane

Thank you so much everyone! It's not that I haven't had some beautiful blooms, and several of my roses are doing great, Poseidon included. This has been a challenging season so far, and there have been some disappointments. I do believe it will get better, and every season is different. Diane, I've admired your FM, and you and others were my inspiration for wanting it.

What a beautiful bloom!

I wish you and your roses the very best Sara. I love your bloom.

It's great that your FM is rewarding you with beautiful flowers now. I am sure you'll enjoy his beautiful fragrance too!