I'd be sure they are cold hardy, first. I don't know about RS, but Betty is a magnet for black spot. I got her because my mother loved Betty Boop, but she didn't make in here.

I had them both. They were both terrible faders--the flowers would open such a pretty color, but then fade within a day to a very muddy color. This may not be such a big problem outside of endlessly sunny So Cal. Both bloomed very well. Neither was particularly thorny. They would not clash, though I don't think they would be particularly delightful together, either.

I would also suggest a check on cold hardiness.

My Betty Boop did not fade or get much black spot. It lived for years in a partially shaded spot so her blooms were spare, but beautiful and long lasting. Every garden if different.

For me, Rio Samba didn't last a season because I disliked the way the color in the flowers blended and faded as they aged. The flowers are beautiful at exhibition stage, but they go downhill fast afterward. I dug it out.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rio Samba on HMF

Both of these, in my garden, faded. Whats worse than just a faded rose is that new and old roses on the same bush looked horrid together. Mixing the brightest of orange and yellows with muted pink and tan---Aaaack!!

I shovel pruned both. I feel that the only way these roses can look good is if you deadhead early before blooms fade. Its time consuming and often you are pulling off blooms before they really need to be removed.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Ronda

I'd be very surprised if Rio Samba could make it long-term in a Zone 4b garden.

Betty Boop DID fade here in SoCal, but Rio Samba both faded, and rusted like an old bucket.

Jeri in Coastal Ventura Co., SoCal

Here's one of those situations where there is a difference of opinion. I love my Betty Boop. Sure her blooms are more colorful when they first open but I don't think that the older blooms are muddy or unattractive. The cool thing about her is that she self-deadheads. In other words, she continues to put out blooms even if you don't get out there and cut things back. She is in a south facing bed and she can get bs (what doesn't in my climate until July) and I don't spray but use a drench a couple of times and call it good. She is continually in bloom for me and people frequently stop and compliment me on her. Definitely one of my favorites. Good luck! CJ

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:212428}}

Thanks for the thoughts--love the picture of Betty Boop! I've pined for her ever since seeing her at the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden. She had fat enormous blooms, and normally I don't even like semi-double. Sorry to hear that Rio Samba was such a disappointment to so many...

I love Betty Boop!

Here is a link that might be useful: betty boop

Rio Samba does fine here in Wisconsin. I've got it planted in the back of the garden and it looks great from a distance. I wouldn't put it anywhere where you are too close to it though as the flowers do fade quickly to some lousy colors. But it looks fine from a distance. Mine is about 3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It dies to the ground but recovers quickly. It's got beautiful dark leaves and doesn't get much blackspot here.