It's much better grafted, no vigor ownroot for me.

Dave, I can't help with CM, but I have an OT question. Does Abe Darby have good vigor as an own root? I've discovered own root is the only kind I can get locally. Thanks. Diane

Yes, 3 of my Abe are own root and bloom form, bush size are equivalent to the grafted one. I think you'll love him. He seems to be not bothered by the heat like so many of my others - continuing to bloom through it.

I have Chris M. own root. It is in a pot, because I am afraid of root nematodes here in Florida. However, it is doing quite well in the pot. It was given to me as a baby. It took maybe 6 months before it took off. I now get lots of flowers.

Thank you Sharon and Alana for your input! Sharon, do the blooms appear as you expected? Some less vigorous own root varieties seem to have fewer petals, smaller blooms.

Sharon, did I give you that CM? Mine is in the ground and is growing well, but no blooms. I might put it in a pot. :)

I have CM own root...purchased as a one gallon. I kept it in a pot its first year, but it has been in the ground for the last two years. It's not a huge plant...about 3ft tall by 4 ft wide...but is a decent bloomer and the flowers are petal packed

Pat, that's great to hear! Well, since the own root option is all that is available perhaps I'll try it but plan on putting a grafted one on order for next spring just in case

Don't forget that Mr. Marlowe is a flopper. My two budded onto multiflora from Austin in England, had slender lax canes. I would guess that budded would be the stronger. But with lax canes, you usually cut them right back for a couple of years to strengthen them up.

Yes, even grafted he is a flopper.

Dave, thanks for you info on Abe Darby. Diane

He'll be in a large pot and so I'm okay with flopping - I appreciate the warning!

Wow, wonderful! Thanks, Pat! BS already? Is this normal for him in your area? I have heard he is quite disease resistant but has this not been the case for you or others growing him?

We have very high BS pressure here. Almost all my roses have issues with it. Many are already showing signs this year. CM is middle of the road for it here...not among my best or worst. Probably better to hear what others have to say on resistance than go by my experience since so many roses others find to be very clean are not bs resistant for me.