Sounds like with enough water and perhaps shade Barcelona does well even in California, but Kim undoubtedly doesn't have enough of either naturally. That makes sense that it would appreciate our cold winters if it's German, and it's certainly tough enough! That's interesting that 'Chateau de Clos Vougeot' is at least as vigorous as Nigrette, though I realize it's not saying much. I'd backed out of buying the former because of the wretched reviews on HMF, but Nigrette has done reasonably well for me (yes, short and scrawny, but fairly hardy), and I dearly LOVE that dark black-burgundy color. As long as they survive and put out those blooms, I'll put up with their mangy excuse for foliage, and I can always disguise the effect with some annual salvia in the front. Looks like I might be adding that one back to my Burlington order for the spring. Good going to get FD/Barcelona, Josh. To appeal to the OGR snob effect you mention, you can always derive some satisfaction from the story of the mixup of the variety, and a good story can compensate for a relatively less old heritage in a worthy rose. Cynthia

I grow my in a big pot and put it somewhere has morning sun and late after sun. It is a good bloomer for me but could has BS sometimes. I think the color and fragrance is to die for and it stays "small", compared to other tea that I have.

Thanks for the photo tip, Jeri. I think I'll use my MacBook next time I post a pic and will probably have no problem. Sorry about the severe water issue out there. I hope some rain comes your way very soon. Here, our lake levels have actually improved this spring so far although I think most are still not up to optimal levels. Michael, I can already see what you mean about Barcelona being tea-like and branching. It's already showing a graceful plant form, even though it's very small. I took a sniff of the bloom this morning, and oh yeh, it's good, real good. I'll keep the afternoon shade in mind as we approach summer. Will be easy, since it's in a container. Randy

I potted mine up in a 16" plastic pot when I got him several yrs ago. Did absolutely nothing for the first 2yrs. Third yr he finally bloomed. Then I put him in the ground and WHAM! He took off like a proverbial weed! He peaks out over 6ft and gives me maybe 3 good bloomings per season now. I have always been sorely lacking in my fertilizing routines, so he hasn't had much really ever. I would guess if you do a regular feeding he'd bloom a lot more. But he's definitely a big guy once he gets established and happy! He tends to be a little on the "warm" pink side for me. Depends on the temps tho.