Last spring I sent photos to Austin Roses since I wasn't too happy with what I had received. They agreed to replace them. However I was already aware that they would not have any available to send that were any better. The replacements were not any better. In all fairness I will say that over all quality from other nurseries has slipped as well. Most people just won't speak up perhaps out of fear another nursery may go under. Maybe some assume the roses are fine I'm not sure why.

I had a local nursery last spring that I have never failed to buy a rose from each year. I would have accepted any variety. They had perhaps a hundred potted roses (not a lot). I searched and searched and could not find a single one who's canes or crown was healthy enough to buy it. Talk about disappointed.

I am purchasing from Austin Roses this year because they came out with the 2qt. pots. I have my fingers crossed that they will be healthy.

CC, I think it looks fine.

I think it looks fine as well :)

I think perhaps that I expect too much or I'm getting crankier as I age. Hope not I have too many years left.

I'm with Patty in not liking the looks of your rose - 3 canes & all damaged in the first photo. I'd be calling for a replacement now while they're still shipping. Sue

I like to take the attitude, that I paid for a No. 1 rose and that is what I hope to get. If the rose doesn't have three sturdy canes or the canes are damaged, have BS on them, then I feel justified to complain. Do keep in mind that rose nurseries grow their stock very close together and so the canes can get bruised by the rose next to them. Your rose appears to be breaking well. I have come to dislike Princess Alex. Both of mine and fussy growers.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! It's great to have a lot of rose experts to consult with =).

Patty you aren't cranky at all! We pay good money for the bushes and I do expect decent quality, though I also completely understand giving a pass to small businesses. I do expect more from David Austin's because they're such a big company and make tons of money. So we'll see what the replacement for the replacement looks like. I'd be happy with just one thicker, healthy cane.

Due to the advice of some lovely people here, I've found better and more local sources for healthier Austin bushes so that's part of the reason I'll likely stop ordering from them in the future. I've shopped with Regan's, a wonderful nursery local nursery called Alden Lane, another local nursery nearby, and Palatine's this year and all of their bareroots have been much nicer than many of the ones I've received from DA in the past - though I know everyone's experience with companies are different. But that + this headache with the Princess has me looking elsewhere first before ordering with DA in the future.

Sue and oldrosarian, thank you! I did end up contacting them about a replacement today. I think I'd have been more likely to give them a pass if this wasn't a replacement for one from March 2016...but I've already wasted time and resources on one dud and don't want to waste time on this one only to have it die a few years down the road with the canker + cracked canes.

Thank you all for your opinions!