There has been much discussion about FD as to whether it is FD or a a more recent rose, Barcelona. Some say there is only one rose sold as both and it is Barcelona. I have no idea myself but some while ago I saw a picture of B or was it FD on Help Me find that was very beautiful so I've been interested ever since. I hope you get some replies!

I live in northeast Louisiana. After 4 yrs. of trying to grow FD, I sp'd him in the spring. FD was nearly always "naked" and bloomed sparsely. The very fragrant blooms were only pretty in the early spring or late fall b/c they "crisped" in the heat and sun. The plant had the stick form of a hybrid tea, not shrubby like an old fashioned tea should be. Mine came from Chamblee's. I am trying Cramoisi Superior this fall and hope it will be more at home in my garden.

I've been considering this rose as well. Do a search on the Antique Rose forum. Most posts from southern gardeners are positive. I am worried about BS, since I don't spray.

A true, deep red that does not fade or pink at all, but it will crisp in extreme heat.

Morning sun/afternoon shade to avoid that crispiness, if your summer temperatures are the high 80s or above. Mine is in full sun and does well since the usual temps are under 85F.

For fragrance though I prefer 'Firefighter', which is also excellent for the vase.

Well. This is not what I was hoping for, but would rather hear it now than later. I know we can go with Double Knockout, but in our climate it is never truly red and becomes very pink by mid summer. No fragrance either. I would love to hear if anyone has a better idea.
Thanks

All roses sold as FD are actually the old HT Barcelona; there is actually no dispute about that nowadays. Its blackspot susceptibility is normal for a HT, if not slightly worse than average. I consider the plant habit as somewhat tea-or-china-like, airy and branching without a lot of basal shoots. It does burn in the hot sun like most dark red roses. Bloom is nearly continuous, with consistently very fragrant flowers. Those flowers that develop lots of petals have beautiful old-fashioned form; those with fewer petals are loose and cupped. It is a rewarding rose if you spray.

A couple of red roses that might be OK without fungicide are Eutin and Traviata. Neither is fragrant. Dame de Coeur is sometimes suggested, but I have no experience with it. I suspect it would need occasional spray.

I bought FD from Chamblee's last year. It gets BS about the same as other HT's (my only rose to get BS this year). It has not been a vigorous grower, but the blooms are very fragrant. I have moved it to a spot that recieves afternoon shade after 1PM as the blooms scorch in our 100* temps. I have heard great reports on the performance of Dame de Coeur in this area.

Thanks, all. I think I have crossed it off my list. The area we want it is in full afternoon sun. No fun if it fries.
Have any thoughts on Black Cherry in our zone?

One I've seen that really holds color well and takes heat like a champ is Lavaglut (aka Lavaflow.) It is a floribunda that makes tons of deep red clusters of flowers that stay on the bush for many days. It looks pretty healthy everywhere I've seen it. The blooms keep their color even in the hot sun of Louisiana. The only issue is that there is no smell. Below is the only picture I have right now, but it gives you an idea of what Lavaglut looks like.

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FD is apparently still grown and sold in Europe. That is based on the fact that there is an entry for FD in the ARS Encyclopedia. But none on Barcelona. The write up is not that favorable saying the flowers nod, that is not a good grower and that it gets mildew.

I agree that Lavaglut is a great rose. If you want long lasting deep red flowers that is the way to go!

The mislabeling of Barcelona as FD began in Europe and was imported to the U.S. The flowers often do nod (like many teas and old HTs). However, it is a good grower for me.

That is a good looking rose! I thank you, jovy and jim, for the recommendation. I will definitely check it out.

You have answered my question that I have not asked. Barcelona (FD)has no leaves, and has not had them much of the summer. I don't quite understand it and thought it was pretty last summer. Now I know that since I don't spray, I might as well replace them (2) now rather than to see if they do the same thing next year.

Cramoisi Superieur is amazing, but it is quite large compared to Barcelona's small size.

Traviata is a wonderful rose, but it is large. Even though I have cut it back, it is a large type rose that was short. It does not have the delicate form that Barcelona has.

Have you looked up Splendora or Square Dancer? Maybe Square Dancer isn't red, but Splendora is. OOps, they are both considered dark pink. You might want to take a look at them.

SAmmy