2025 Pre-Orders, Keepers, Disappointments?

3 months ago

Even though the year isn’t over, I thought it would be a good time to take stock of my roses to prep for pre-orders in September. How did things go for you this year? What were your favorites? What are you considering moving or getting rid of? Also, do you think DA will offer grafted Evelyn again? The Evelyn page on the DA website doesn't have the option to sign up for a restock email, so I'm thinking they might not offer it again.

Above and Beyond (third year, own root): Healthier than last year now that I’ve started fertilizing and watering consistently. Didn’t put on as much new growth, though. Some basal canes. Having a bush with a single flush is something I struggle to justify.

Evelyn (one is second year, own root, second is first year, grafted): The grafted Evelyn that I got from DA died, but the own root has flourished and put out huge blooms. So healthy. I technically got it last summer, but this is its first full season. Liked it so much I moved it to the front of my house where it gets afternoon sun, since I hear she can take it. Top favorite.

Roald Dahl (second year, grafted): I have two next to each other and they have finally grown enough that they look like one shrub. I like the shape and the fast rebloom. The scent is faint, and the flowers themselves are just fine. Health is pretty good. Like and appreciate, but don’t absolutely love. They are in a prime spot next to my front door, so I am considering moving them.

Teasing Georgia (first year, own root): Healthy and big with a number of small flushes. The scent is faint. The blooms ruffle outwards like a zinnia instead of cupping inwards, but I’m hoping this improves with maturity.

Louise Clements (second year, own root): Moved to a pot and it’s doing well. Putting out new growth, many flushes of blooms. Very healthy. Scent is just ok so far. The blooms ruffle outwards like Teasing Georgia and I don’t like that. Not my favorite but doing well.

Huntington Rose (first year, own root): Habit is strange so far. Health is good and it’s had a few small flushes. The most recent flush had impressively huge, beautifully cupped blooms. The scent is mild so far.

Windermere (second year, unsure): Healthy and very tall, with multiple flushes. Has been pushing out new basal canes. The scent is nice. Holds up well in the heat, but the blooms shatter quickly. Like but don’t love. Will keep to see how it does in the third year.

Boscobel (second year, own root): Tiny but healthy, with steady flushes of small buds, which I am cutting off in hopes that it grows bigger instead. I hope it grows next year so I can have a better sense of whether or not to keep it. Second year but still a baby.

St. Swithun (first year, own root): A monster. So healthy and big, but not a single bloom yet.

Queen Anne (second year, own root): Health is ok. Never bloomed in its first year. The second year spring flush was ok, and hasn’t really bloomed since. On the fence about it.

Scepter’d Isle (first year, grafted): Healthy. A few flushes of blooms with very few petals. Not a fan of the flower form so far. Looking forward to seeing some more mature blooms.

Crown Princess Margareta (first year, own root): Healthy with some of my favorite blooms. Took a break in the summer heat and is suffering some. Hoping for some nice fall flowers.

Desdemona (second year, grafted): I keep moving her around so it’s not fair to judge her, but she always bounces back and keeps putting out blooms. Healthy despite voles eating all of her roots. I’m not in love with her.

Bishop’s Castle (first year, own root): Healthy with a few small flushes. Currently suffering a bit from the recent heat wave but is showing signs of restarting new growth.

St. Cecilia (second year, own root): Puny but healthy. A few blooms here and there. She might not like her location because she refuses to grow.

Earth Angel (second year, own root): I moved her in the spring and she put on a ton of new growth and bloomed, but hasn’t done anything since. Same story as last year. Not impressed.

Gentle Hermione (first year, own root): All of her canes have slowly turned brown and I’ve just about completely cut her back. She might not make it. She’s in a less than ideal location, which may be to blame.

Eglantyne (first year, own root): Moved her from a less than ideal spot into a pot and she exploded in size and finally put out a lovely bloom. She’s very healthy and happy.

Sharifa Asma (second year, own root): Also moved her from a less than desirable bed into a pot and she seems happy. Suffers from some blackspot, but is putting out blooms. Still very small.

Wildeve (first year, grafted): I have five of these and they will not stop growing and putting out new, fat canes and buds. They are suffering from some blackspot on their lower leaves, however. They fall nicely along a stone wall.

Jude the Obscure (all three are first year, two are own root, one grafted): They just keep on blooming! They too suffer from blackspot on their lower leaves. I love the big, fat buds. They are happy and getting big. One of my favorites despite the black spot.

Brother Cadfael (one is second year, own root; two are first year, grafted): Happy and healthy. They just keep putting out buds. Top favorite this year. One of the grafted plants initially died back but has slowly regained its vigor and is catching up.

Queen of Sweden (second year, grafted): This was my first David Austin purchase. She was initially promising, but has disappointed me this year. Her spring flush was ok although she did put on a lot of new growth, but has since gone totally dormant despite consistent care. I’m not as enamored with her blooms as I once was. She may need to be moved from her prime location if she is going to be stingy and seemingly dormant.

Lady of Shallot (second year, grafted): Moved her because she was unhealthy and she continued to decline. She was accidentally weed-whacked and has died. Not sure if I will replace her.

Charles Darwin (first year, own root): Doing ok. I like the blooms so far, but the foliage itself seems unhealthy. It doesn’t have blackspot, but seems to be suffering from something or other.

Ancient Mariner (first year, grafted): Healthy and nicely shaped with steady flushes. Seems promising.

Abe Darby (first year, own root): Healthy but not doing much. Putting on some new growth now. It’s in a very shady spot, so I might move him to a pot.

Malvern Hills (first year, grafted): Died.

Featured Answer

judijunebugarizonazn8

2 months ago

Kristine, your Palatina Traviata looks almost identical to my True Bloom True Spirit.

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Comments (89)

rosecanadian
2 months ago
I'd love to have that many rose bushes...your garden must be a dream garden!!
Caroline (NC Piedmont 7B/8A)
Original Author
2 months ago
@Elestrial 7a Your Sunshine is incredible! Good to know that it's so unruly. Beautiful blooms, though.

@Echo_Texas_zone9a That Nehema is stunning
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Elestrial 7a
2 months ago
Susan, I know that struggle! What a great collection. Which are your favorites?

Thank you Caroline!
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
Susan, Im downsizing as well. I wont name names because you will all think that Im crazy. Its not so much the rose but its location that sets it up for removal. Two that I will menyion are Crimson Glory and Desmond Tutu. I adore the color of Crimson Glory but it is such an unhealthy bush andthe blooms fry immediately And Desmond Tutu, I just cant stand its leavery fragrance less blooms. One rose that I will never get rid of is Memorial Day . I love that one even though it is a giant.

I am looking down on it. It is about 7 ft of delicious fragrance
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Oh my goodness!! I grow Memorial Day (fabulous fragrance!!), but not like you grow it!! What a stunner!!! :) :) :)
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
Oh dear, looks like my Koko Loko is circling the drain. It is new this year and I got it at the same time as Crazy Love and Ice Cap . They are both doing great but poor little Koko Lolo is looks so bad. It is own root so maybe it will pull out of its funk
susan9santabarbara
2 months ago
Carol, sometimes my garden is really great, but sometimes it's severely in need of more attention... like now when I'm terribly behind in deadheading and other chores.

Elestrial, I'm horrible at choosing favorites. I have a long-time (20 year) garden pen pal who I "do" daylilies with, among other things, and she asked me last month to name my top 5 daylilies. I gave her a list of 11... and I wasn't even able to put them in order :-D
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Kristine - here's hoping your Koko Loko rose pulls through. Poor thing.

Susan - :) :) choosing favorites can be hard to do.
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
I think that Koko Loko needs a smaller pot. The one it is in may not be drainging very efficiently.
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Yes, that sounds reasonable.
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
Poor koko Loko is on the decline
kentucky_rose zone 6
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
My Palantine rose update:

Sweet Delight-fragrant, producer, healthy

Julia-producer, pretty, healthy

Poseidon-producer, healthy

Acropolis-producer, healthy, unique

Broceliande-fragrant, tall, average producer

Simply Samantha-healthy, producer, seems to be long between cycles

Amorosa-healthy, growing good, earlier in season had blooms, now just seems to be growing, recently snipped ends hoping to stimulate buds

Charles De Gaulle-on pause for weeks and weeks

Blue Girl-healthy, average producer, stems may be sort of short, bloom can be captivating/intriguing

We have had a hot, dry summer which may have affected these roses. Overall, I am happy with my choices and the opportunity to grow them.
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Kristine - that's too bad about your Koko Loko. You tried.

Kentucky_rose - your Palatine roses are doing really well!! Poseidon is going like gangbusters!! The blooms are so pretty!! Acropolis is also doing very well...wonderful bush filled with blooms and buds! What's not to love? You did well!
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
I will so miss the wonderful and unique roses from Palatine . Kentucky Rose, what a perfect collection of roses. I love Sweet Delight amd Julia too. One from a couple of years ago is Palatina Traviata. Great rose and only available from Palatine.Too bad no fragrance.
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Oh, WOWZA, Kristine!! Those blooms are unreal!! They look huge, and the ruffles are beautiful. :)
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Judi - they are very similar. Beautiful!!
Diane Brakefield
2 months ago
Palatine Traviata is a gorgeous rose and so is True Bloom True Spirit, but I wonder about the name Traviata. Meilland has a Traviata rose, and at one time a Pink Traviata, which I grew for several years. I am so tired of the complicated, confusing, and silly names for roses en vogue currently. One of the worst is Country Spirit Peonia. Is it a peony or a rose? Or the silly name Princess Fairy Kiss. Diane
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Diane - I'm laughing over Princess Fairy Kiss. :) :)
Diane Brakefield
2 months ago
It's a real name and it both cracks me up and appalls me. Do these sellers think we are children? Diane
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Maybe the breeder/seller had their young daughter name this rose. :)
kentucky_rose zone 6
2 months ago
A good, catchy name helps sell the rose.
noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Young Lycidas was my only new rose this year. It had a decent first bloom, and the flowers had a lovely fragrance. But the petals were streaky, and it hasn't grown or bloomed since that first bloom. But I'm comparing it to Desdemona, which grew and bloomed throughout that first season, and has been growing and blooming all season since. So the jury is still out on Young Lycidas, but so far...meh.

I've had Windermere a few years now, and I keep planning on throwing it out, but I haven't yet. The leaves are are rather yellowish, and they don't show off the pale yellow flowers well since they just blend in. It doesn't handle the heat well, the flowers becoming small and distorted, even when well irrigated. The flowers last a very short amount of time and are fragrant only in the morning. But...every so often, in the spring and the fall, it produces a bloom or two that is just gorgeous and has a delicious fragrance. It's a very dysfunctional relationship that I just need to end.
Caroline (NC Piedmont 7B/8A)
Original Author
2 months ago
@noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)

I'm feeling similarly about my Windermere, and am glad to hear that I'm not the only one. My blossoms are small and shatter quickly. The plant itself looks like a skyscraper. Its outstanding health is the only upside.

Young Lycidas is on my list for fall ordering, and I've been on the fence about it, so your feedback is very helpful, even if we're in different climates.
Diane Brakefield
2 months ago
My favorite newish rose, a little over a year old, is Tantau's Ashley. She is the most heat resistant rose I've ever grown. and my garden is a furnace. Her huge pink blooms are made of steel, I think. Diane

Photos taken in the last several days.
Caroline (NC Piedmont 7B/8A) thanked Diane Brakefield
Elestrial 7a
2 months ago
My Ashley had not done much until recently, she had a rough start. But she has started to give nice blooms and they are huge and beautiful. They hold up very well to heat and rain. A must have rose
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Diane - wonderful!! I especially love the last picture; it's a bouquet all by itself.
Diane Brakefield
2 months ago
Elestrial, I'm glad Ashley came through for you. If you have challenging summers, she should be a winner for you.

Thanks, Carol. It takes Ashley a long time to work through one of those bouquets, the blooms last so long.

Oh, Nose. Your relationship with Windemere sounds a lot like the one I had with Princess Alexandra of Kent, especially about the small homely blooms in heat. And PAoK met her fate for that kind of thing. I was patient, but she didn't improve, and I'm happy with her replacements. Yes, plural because she was a great, big thug as well in that flower bed, so it took two roses to replace her.. Good luck with whatever decision you make. Have you been having increasingly hot summers in the last several years? Diane
noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)
2 months ago
@Diane Brakefield We had a pretty mild summer this year compared to last year. Last year went to 115ºF, but this year it was *only* 101ºF for weeks in a row. Windermere still looked awful. Well, yesterday was trash pickup day, and my last comment inspired me to contribute Windermere. Now, where can I get an Ashley?! Wait, I'm trying to reduce my pot ghetto, which is down to 4 (four!). The Ancient Mariner will probably get the axe next.
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
Poor Koko Loko. When I ordered it Matt said that he had a pretty tiny one. So it just never thrived. Since I am downsizing , I doubt that I will reorder. A really great new rose this year is Sheharazade sp
kentucky_rose zone 6
2 months ago
Elena, any recent photos of your Crazy Fashion?
elenazone6
2 months ago
@kentucky_rose zone 6, not very recent…
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Kristine - what a beautiful rose, and it looks like she's wearing a tiara! :)

Elena - that's a beautiful stripey!! Oh my!! :)
kentucky_rose zone 6
2 months ago
Elena, thank you for the picture. I’m assuming it is doing good, healthy, growing, and blooming. Crazy Fashion is one I wished I had purchased from Palatine. My AMOROSA shut down this summer. The bush is healthy and growing but no blooms except spring. I don’t know if this is common. Are you or anyone else familar with this rose?
elenazone6
2 months ago
@kentucky_rose zone 6, I’m assuming we’re pretty close—I’m right at the KY border. From what I’ve seen in my local rose society (and in my own garden), this year has been terrible for roses. Almost nobody has had a real second flush so far, just some scattered random blooms.

Crazy Love isn’t very vigorous in my garden, so no regrets that you missed it! :)

Did you end up buying anything from April & Ashley? They’re planning to introduce a lot of roses to the U.S. market, and they’re really good!
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
2 months ago
Elena, what a glorious bloom. Hopefully next year it will get with the program
kentucky_rose zone 6
2 months ago
Elena, thanks for update, that helps. No, I haven’t ordered anything from April & Ashley yet. Finally, we got some good rain yesterday and today I put down first part of my fortified alfalfa tea, not on new roses though. Wishing everyone some great fall roses and rewards for all their work and planning!
elenazone6
2 months ago
Oops, I meant Crazy Fashion!
susan9santabarbara
2 months ago
I got Crazy Fashion from a trading partner two years ago (so a small own-root). It has made its way up to a 3 gallon pot, but it's not a vigorous grower. I love the rare-ish blooms and they're very fragrant, but so far it's moving rather slowly. Here's my only pic:
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Susan - that's a glorious bloom!! I hope that your CF gains some more bloom-ability in the future.
Elestrial 7a
2 months ago
Thought I'd share this bloom today, she was new to me last year and I really like her. Autumn rouge. Good fragrance, health, and continual blooms. She's one of my favorites
noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)
2 months ago
@Elestrial 7a - that's gorgeous! I wish I had a place for this one!
Elestrial 7a
2 months ago
If a spot ever opens up, keep her in mind, I love her. Here is another picture I just grabbed after moving her to the porch, the phone camera actually captured the color perfectly for once
rosecanadian
2 months ago
Elestrial - !!!! SWOOOOON!!! What incredibly gorgeous blooms!!! And you captured the color so well!!
Echo_Texas_zone9a
2 months ago
Elestrial, so beautiful
Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
2 months ago
Autumn Rouge is going on my ever expanding list! RRRRRRRReminds me a lot in bloom form and colour of Florentina.
kentucky_rose zone 6
last month
Today I took this picture of Acropolis:
rosecanadian
last month
last modified: last month
Kentuckyrose - gasp!!!! The bud blew my mind!!! Sooooo beautiful!!! And then it opened to full on gorgeousness!!!
kentucky_rose zone 6
last month
Rosecanadian, what a lovely rose description for Acropolis! Thank you! The bush is thriving, healthy, and getting tall with some more buds. Now the big challenge will be how it winters over.
rosecanadian
last month
I see what you mean. Hmf says 6b, and you may be in 6a. Crossing my fingers that she'll be grand!