@Moses, Bumping this thread, though it's not that old. I have two own-root Stiletto younglings (quarter-pot starter size) recently planted at the start of June. In just three weeks time, I already had a few blooms and they were exquisite. (I wish I would have taken photos, but I will next time, which will probably be soon - given new bud formation again). Although it is certainly much too early to make any solid statements about the overall performance of this rose in my scorching-hot and humidity-soaked zone 8A central Mississippi summer climate, I can in the meantime decisively confirm at least one particular quality that has surprised me: Stiletto blooms appear to last a few weeks! The petals do not fall off as the rose ages (unlike a number of roses which unremarkably "shatter" within a few day's time of unfirling). I've not noticed a SINGLE petal coming loose with Stiletto, even in full sun and after being inundated with the heavy downpour of a severe thunderstorm. Instead, the petals slowly harden off, gracefully drying out (not unlike some dried rose arrangements), and finally the entire flower head shrivels up, inevitably browns, then falls off at the node-neck break ("self cleans"). Throughout this transition, in full summer heat and scolding Sun, the rose color shifts as it ages; first, opening in a voluptuous plum-red (mostly red with hints of a violet cast, reminiscent of Santa Rosa plum skin color), then turning a more decidedly bold magenta, and ending with a provacative yet aggreeable purple at the onset of its drying out as it approaches browning. Hence, at the very least, it can be said that Stiletto demonstrates EXCEPTIONALLY stable blooms. I've not seen a rose hold on as tenaciously yet gracefully as this one [in recent memory], based upon over three dozen rose varieties currently in my collection to make that comparative assertion. Stay tuned for additional assessments to come, and some planned posted images.

Thanks Birds. Augusta Luise is not all like a typical hybrid tea. I don't know how large she'll get in SoCal, but she's a big girl here. (I live in zone 7, SW semi arid desert Idaho with hot, dry summers). My roses tend to be large. AL has a lovely, wide growth habit, is very healthy and an excellent bloomer with large fluffy blooms and a nice scent. She is near perfect, I think. Her color varies from light pink to apricots and a little darker, particularly in fall. We don't have fungal rose diseases here--too dry, so roses tend to be very healthy. She's not susceptible to any disease, but none of my roses are. I've grown her since 2013-14. She's grafted on multiflora, was bred by Evers in Germany for Tantau. I purchased her from Hortico, but that was the last year they sold her. She's hard to get. Palatine now sells her, but I think they're sold out. I hope you're able to grow her. Diane

My Over the Edge has gotten black spot pretty severely but hasn’t defoliated from it, and is continuing to bloom despite lots of black splotches everywhere. Not the prettiest bush but the blooms keep coming. Fragrance on mine is moderate and sweet but pleasing. It started very subtle and has been increasing so maybe by this fall it’ll have a stronger fragrance. Blooms are pretty and keep their form well. Blooms last a long time on the bush but I have no pink edging on my blooms which may be something that comes in later. Temperatures shouldn’t be an issue here as it’s still in lower 70s.

Hello, fellow forum members! I am George Clinston, hailing from beautiful Australia. I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community, and I'm eager to engage in meaningful discussions with all of you. Having grown up in this diverse country, I've developed a deep appreciation for its unique landscapes, culture, and people. I'm passionate about various topics, including travel, technology, and environmental sustainability. I believe that forums like this offer a fantastic platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. I'm looking forward to contributing my insights and experiences while also gaining valuable insights from all of you. Feel free to connect with me, and let's embark on a journey of knowledge, camaraderie, and exploration together. Thank you for having me here, and I can't wait to dive into the discussions! Best regards, George Clinston (Australia)