Mine do, yes. They just started blooming their heads off, and the blooms are all a gorgeous rich red, and quite large, to boot. And don't get me started on the fragrance--wonderful!

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I've been thinking about red roses somewhat. Ones like Chrysler Imperial, Guinee, Oklahoma, Mr. Lincoln. That said, for ex 'Chrysler Imperial'- isn't it Charlotte Armstrong x (Night x Charlotte Armstrong)? Anyway I was wondering do most of the red roses ultimately come from Chateau de Clos Veugot or are there other early pre-genitors to real reds?

A lot of it has to do with your soil... Here where it is very alkaline, both Mr Lincoln and CI are magenta... Do most reds look more blue where you are?

Thanks, all, for the feedback on CI!

decobug, yes, even the same cultivars are never identical in different locations...good point.

My red Ole stays the same color of bright red from start to finish. My Don Juan starts to turn a little more purple as it ages. My Mr. Lincoln turns very purple a few days after opening. My Altissimo holds it's color quite well unless it is really hot, and then 'blues' a bit at the end.... ditto my red Knock Out. My soil is a little on the acid side, based on a tendency of hydrangeas planted in the ground to have a blueish cast, the existence of native pine trees, and Rhodies and Azaleas doing well without giving them anything acidic. I have not had my soil tested. Anyway, I may have to try a CI. Thanks! Wobur

I would try it if I were you :). I posted my CI on another thread. I clip my blooms off as soon as they open because of the threat of bugs and because the blooms do wilt in the afternoon sun. It is a very pretty and fragrant rose. The fragrance is much like your Mr Lincoln. Doesn't ML get a bit bigger and have susceptibility to black spot?

Hi norafficinga,

I have only had my ML for two years and it isn't in the best location...competition from a ground cover and half a day of sun. It is pretty vigorous, though, and hasn't gotten black spot. it had 2 early preventative sprays with Bayer disease control this year, however. But I will try a CI. The beautiful red of the ML turning that dark purple is upsetting. I know that some people like the purple. Thanks. Wobur