I got Stiletto from Heirloom this year . It is in the ground . A good rose so far , barely any disease and blooms a lot although I didn't smell any fragrance .

Every time I’ve seen Stilleto I have been impressed by the saturated colors and the healthy plant. Of course, I live in CA were there’s little fungal pressure, but still Stilleto seems like one of those extra healthy newer HTs.

I am glad you clarified this is not about the shoe, I don’t think you should be exploring such an unstable means of mobility.

You didn’t inquire about habit. And your post sent me to hmf (as they often do). No doubt you saw what the reviewer FKA #1 had to say.

I surmise its form meets your demanding specifications.

The ”Mister” seemed like an ill-suited mustache - that’s better now.

Thank you, Rifis, I agree. Moses sets a sufficient level of deferential decorum.

Don't know how women walk in them, Ben. Self inflicted agony, all for.....what?

Rifis again, I'm waiting for my two Grande Amores to show what they've got, planted in 2023, Heirloom sourced. The same sourced and aged Apricot Candy bushes (#3), planted next to them are 4-5 times bigger and blooming more than satisfactorily. The GAs could be slow starters but great when past their juvenility. However, it doesn't hurt to do my research on replacing them, hence my Stiletto query.

It's the same requirement: disease proofness, as much as can be reasonably expected, and winter hardiness w/o protection, with short stature added this time. Additionally, there's good flower output, form and size with ox necks....and with red flowers.

Moses

Moses, I dont have Stilletto but almost same color thst Iteally like is Sweet Spirit. It blooms like crazy snd istotally clean in zone8 so could be totally different for you

That's just it, Kristine, black spot pressure is so intense her you wouldn't believe your eyes. Sweet Spirit will be thoroughly researched and I hope it makes a passing grade. Thank you for the suggestion.

I had Easy Spirit, but it black spotted as a yearling rose from High Country, but I have learned that baby own root roses do not have the disease resistance they achieve when adults. I should have given Easy Spirit more time, but it also got, 'Squash Disease Variant #2.'

Squash Disease only occurs in my garden. Variant One is when I step on a baby own root rose, accidentally of course, and it sustains major terminal damage. I SQUASHED it to death....hence the name Squash Disease. Variant Two is what Easy Spirit succumbed to. Variant Two is a combination of fungus issues with mechanical damage other than my foot squashing a rose. It's major instrument is a careless move with a shovel, hoe, or cane that places a young own rose on the fatally injured list. Variant Two is still accidental, but the loss is not felt as deeply because of the disease issues the rose had.

Moses

Kristine LeGault

I also grow Sweet Spirit ,l love it .Both of these roses are by Meilland . It is a spreading healthy wide shrub .blooms a lot with intense old rose fragrance . The blooms for me are on the smaller size though .more like a floribunda .

Here is Sweet Spirit today .

Stiletto is a dream. Blooms constantly. Perfect growing form (rounded). NO disease—ever. Fragrance is variable: sometimes none, sometimes nicely fragrant.

Moses, you crack me up lol

FWIW my new Stiletto looks something like Pink Rose's second photo (though not as jaw dropping). I checked last night and there's not a hint of BS, though of course we're a drier climate than you. Blackspot pressure is about average this time of year, and Stiletto is well below average BS. It's at least worth looking into.

I go look at this rose as a lifesaver when some stupid song is stuck in my head. This one triggers Billy Joel's Stiletto which is a bop of a tune and quite welcome to recycle as a chosen ear worm.

Cynthia

Cynthia,

I think of Billy Joels Stilleto every time I see the word, for the last 40 or so years. I think of the song every time I see the rose at the nursery too!

Moses...I agree with Kristine...you crack me up. :) :)

I have a Stiletto from Heirloom...no blooms yet...still a tiny thing.