This is how I shop for sale roses at the end of the season: look past the foliage and flowers, down at the base of the plants and see how they look--green canes that are clean and healthy? Or are they scratched, spotted with disease, dried out? Is there a good number of canes (at least 3 fat strong ones)? Pick the healthiest ones.

Then look at the foliage, flowers and new growth--has it been well cared for or is it kind of dried out? Pick the healthiest of the healthiest.

It's better to be choosy and just take the best rather than buying a whole bunch at once. As you learn more, your taste will change. Being choosy and starting slowly gives you a chance to learn and observe without spending too much money. Think long term.

I planted four roses today so I would have to say no, it is not too late. Just water well.

Kate

I can recommend Whisper. I planted it about 5 years ago from a dried up boxed rose that I bought in July. It was very vigorous and has done well in my yard. It gets long stemmed lovely white roses that have creamy centers. (the color is creamy, there is no actual cream!) It was an AARS selection at the time. Good luck!

You can't go wrong with My Girl or Grandma's Blessing. They are beautiful, incredibly disease resistant and hardy. Christopher Marlowe is one of my favorite Austins, in form & color, but will require spraying.

Thank you for your suggestions. We have an old two story bungalow. I have just got my beds cleaned and started in the front yard with and arbor walkway with climbing roses.

My back yard has a chain link fence area with mostly shade. I have been been watching the sun and have found an area that has about 7 hours of early sun. This will be my new rose bed. I am trying to come up with an idea for this area in pinks and whites. I am thinking of 3 pillars with climbers, lillies, and some shrub roses.

Christopher Marlow is a good English rose. GREAT fragrance! Stays small (about 3+ feet), so good for the front of the border. Orangeish red color. I'd grab it in a heart beat if I was close enough to get to it.

I'm glad someone can recommend Whisper for your zone, it is beautiful. I would also try Christopher Marlowe, Crimson Bouquet, and I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with the Knockouts from what I've heard.
I can never pass up roses on sale, what have you got to lose really? One of the stars in our garden is a puny 2 cane $6 Angel Face in a bodybag from walmart on its second "flush" of 7 blooms, it stands out among our 60 other roses!

I think I have narrowed it down. I think I am going to get 2 New Dawn for the pillars and Christopher Marlowe and lavender for the sides and borders. The fence already has iris and rose of sharon on my neighbors side.

I live in rural West TN so there is not much for variety here. A client of mine is going to Ohio tomorrow to buy new plants and is looking for me an eden. I pray she finds one!