Robert - I grow both 'Supers', admitedly not very well ie. I haven't fertilized them. However, neither appeared to have the mildew problems of the originals. Super Excelsa did repeat some again without any care - both may have performed better with some fertilization. That said, I think the bloom on both originals is prettier than on the so called 'Super' varieties. Best, Nick

Robert- this is a response I got to my request for recommendations for a large, sprawling rose:
I recommend Super Dorothy-- it grows like a weed with no blackspot or mildew in barely amended sand for me on Topsail Island. Very little fragrance, though. I love it anyway! Mine is growing in front of the stairs to my house (which is on pilings) & I just cut it back this afternoon and have about 2 truckloads of canes to dispose of. (UGH) When it blooms it is spectacular, and cars have actually stopped in front of the house to ask what it is when we were outside. Also, it is a rambler/sprawler, not a climber and would be perfect for what you want. Allie

brandyray, how's the rebloom for you on super dorothy?

Robert

We have Super Dorothy. The rebloom isn't very exciting in my garden.

Robert, that was my response that Brandy quoted above, and I really do adore Super Dot. She is smothered in thousands of bloom clusters for about a month in May here but has no significant rebloom for me. However, that may be because I have never seriously fertilized her after the first of her growing season, because she sprawls all over the place and it's hard (to say the least) to actually get to her roots to apply fertilizer. This year I'm going to lavish TLC & fertilizer on her through the season and hope to get rebloom. Check back in the fall for an update.

Allie

I don't have either super, but have you considered Lady Carolina?
It is the same sort of rose, but a light pink to white (depending on sunlight) and repeat bloom has been excellent for about the last three of five years. Last summer, with no irrigation, it just kept blooming in flushes through exceptional drought.
It DOES repeat dependably and that's living along our fenceline with only incidental rabbit and mole/vole poop for nutrients.

Ann,
I've not considered Lady Carolina, although I did notice how healthy it looked at Ashdown in October. I do, however, have another rose that has flowers similar to Dorothy Perkins but in pure white. It is one of the healthiest roses I have and blooms non-stop. I am yet to identify it. I got a piece of it from a friend here in Richmond. I thought it was Cl. White Pet, but the flowers on my mystery rose seem smaller and lack any sign of pink. It roots very easily...would you be interested in a cutting? I can bring one Saturday if you're going to Lynchburg.

Robert

Ann - How large does Lady Carolina get. I have been looking to get some small reblooming rambler type climbers suitable for smaller arches. As you know most ramblers and many climbers inundate small arches. This is an area in which I need to increase my knowledge. I have heard that Cl Pinkie may fall into this realm. Likewise Jeanne Lajoie may be a candidate. Perhaps Robert's rose may also qualify. However, when I think of climbing White Pet I think of the once blooming Felicite et Perpetue - same bloom and myrrh scent and a pretty significant climber. Thanks. Best Nick

Hi Robert!
This is off-topic, but wanted to let you know that I found Coquette des Blanches, General Jacqueminot and Gruss an Aachen at our local Home Depot (Midlothian) - body bads @ $5.
Have you seen anything interesting lately in our neck of the woods?
Marina

Hey Marina...I've not seen anything here yet. Are you going to Lynchburg tomorrow?
RL

Robert, yes, I am going. Are you?