Very nice

I love Olivia

Those are very pretty.... how does Desmona rank in the scent. I am surprised that the Poets Wife is so high.

I have him and I don't think it's scent is all that strong.... but I can't smell Fragrant Cloud or Mr. Lincoln.... I guess it depends on the scent of the rose.

Yes Kristine, Olivia is a star!

Sharon, out of all those Austin’s I own, I love Poets wife because the scent is sweet and fruity! I absolutely love it, but can’t say it is the strongest scent. Jude definitely has the strongest scent. Because they are so young, I wouldn’t be able to tell you just yet the most accurate observations- they have not developed enough to put on huge displays!

Desdemona is gorgeous, and very floriferous for a first season rose. If you stick your nose into the flower, you’d smell a delicate fresh rose scent- my boyfriend tells me it smells like rosy soap! I find his description a little strange, but I actually have a weaker nose than he. But so far, the strength of Desdemona’s scent is nothing special.

I wonder yet again why I don't have Olivia or so many other Austins. How are these for BS in your area?

I gotta get my hands on some more DA roses. Especially Jude the Obscure, Olivia, and Lady of shalott. I love my Winchester Cathedral, and Molineux.

Vaporvac,

They have all done very well! When I was in Zone 7, I only had Jude and Olivia and they did not do well at all, but they were in their first years and not receiving optimal sunlight. I am in zone 5 now and I have no issues. Some visible black spot that I took care of early on in the season by removing infected leaves. This was when we had rain for what seemed like one month straight. The plants took care of themselves right after the rain let up! As long as the weather works with us, I think they are great!

Seth,
I have set my eyes on Lady of Shalott, as well! I also want to try Evelyn, a discontinued Austin, but I heard her scent is amazing :)

Grace, if you were z7 then z5, why does it have (9) next to your name?

Sheila,
LOL that is because I first got them in zone 9!!!!!!! I need to change that... I’ll try to figure out how when I get home tonight. Thank you for letting me know! I’ve moved three times in two years!