How is the US so different from England? For one thing, latitude. Much of the US is south of the latitude of the British Isles. That changes the angle and intensity of the sun and its effects on color development and retention. The differences in color of the same variety on the same rootstock between two places such as here in KC and Milwaukee, WI, for instance, a place farther north, are quite noticeable. The color difference between Milwaukee and Seattle, close to the same latitude but different climates, is not that much. England is also not so big that the ocean air effects are completely lost on the interior of the country. That is not true here. A humid continental climate such as most of the US has wider temperature variations than a coastal marine climate. As for any states in the US that have a climate similar to England, northern Oregon and Washington west of the Cascades are quite British-like. Roses that do well in England do well there. Some of them may do okay in the Midwest, but not many of them. If I could suggest one alternative, I would have a look at Palatine's catalog and look at the Kordes variety Summer Sun. That one might be okay. I am not growing it, but it would be on my list to try if I have the space and my Summer Songs kick the bucket. Just my suggestion, for what it is worth.

My Rdr is bare now, but it's in a spot where it's not getting a lot of sun right now because of the angle of the sun. My roses in the front get tons of sun even now because my yard faces south. It's actually sunnier there now than in the summer because then the sun is overhead and the trees block some of it. I have lots of new growth on most of my roses out front, but they may not have time to put on buds if it gets cold. Also, no rain for weeks, so that is having an effect. My teas look the best. Mdme Lambard is really pretty right now. Also Lady Hillingdon. I guess they like the cooler weather.

I actually have all four of these varieties. This is the first year for Boscobel; it is trying to establish itself although it has bloomed a few times. I'm not sure what the verdict will be on it yet. Lady Emma Hamilton is a nice variety. It blooms regularly although not in large numbers of flowers. It has more of a semi-constant trickle of beautifully colored, blended orange flowers with a very nice smell. It sprawls sideways rather than get tall. Lady of Shalott is a heavy flowering variety when it gets established. It also gets quite large, tall and wide. It has the most flowers of any in the Austin orange group. Summer Song does not care for the heat. Mine have done a bit better this year than usual, but that is not saying much. Our weather last May included a freeze that clobbered everything. Summer Song's flowers were not all that nice this year although rebloom happened, and the flowers were quite small compared to what they are normally like in spring. The bush gets lanky with some long canes. The flowers are a pretty color and have a nice fragrance, but I would not recommend this one for my climate. If you are leaning a bit towards apricots and want an Austin variety, I would suggest also looking at Carding Mill. That one is a nice one. I hope this helps.

So at last Summer Song has joined my collection of Austin Roses. Has anyboby tried growing Summer Song - either in the garden or in a container - and how did it do ? Any replies will be really most helpful.g