A grouping does look good. I'd plant them into the garden now so the roots can get established. Even the hardiest roses can die the first winter if the roots have not had an opportunity to grow into the surrounding soil. August is a really hot dry time to transplant a potted rose. Unless you water regularly and deep you could lose them especially if the soil falls from the roots when you transplant. Nature size and planting distance is determined by your growing zone. Pruning can be easy. After each flush of bloom, allow the flowers to fade some. Use a pair of hedge clippers and remove the dead blooms along with a inch or so of cane to shape the bush. In a few weeks new buds will form along with new growth. You'll have more flowers within a month. Yearly pruning should be done in spring. Remove winter killed canes and dieback along with any damaged ones. Cut back as far as you want to shape the bush and keep it in bounds. As much as many rosarians complain about Knock Out being the only roses available in many garden centers, their ease of growing and hardiness encourages many to grow roses again. The desire to grow roses soon entices them to try other varieties.

John, nice to hear from you. It's been a while since I've seen you post. I would prefer to use old roses as much as possible, but I'm not a stickler for it. Old-fashioned modern roses are fine as well. I have in the past grown a number of the Romantica roses only to find them glaringly modern looking when placed with genuine old roses. Pierre de Ronsard is the exception, and I think it was added to the Romantica collection after the fact. I do like your suggestion of Marechal Niel. I have heard that it sometimes lacks vigor on its own roots. Did you find the Chamblee's clone to have that problem? HoovB, I'd love to add Gloire de Dijon, if one can be found that is vigorous and healthy. Do you have a particular source to recommend? Aimee and I both want to know. Pamela, several of your suggestions sound appealing, especially Apricot Glow and Jacotte. I wonder if someone from a PM-prone area could post their experiences with these two. Yes, I am tempted! Kstrong, I used to grow Royal Sunset, but while it had good resistance, here it lacked the vigor I want. Masha, I'll take a look at Collette. I don't know that I've ever seen it grown. BBoy, that is too bad about Cornelia. It was one I was considering. I'll only be planting two climber/ramblers and a big shrub, already chosen. I want to leave lots of room for paths, as Campanula pointed out to me. The area I'm planting slopes uphill, so I'll get the layering effect easily and the paths should disappear from notice. As a bonus, I have two pomegranate bushes in that area, and their blooms are a wonderful coppery orange. I didn't plan it that way, but they ought to look great there. There is also a ham radio tower, but that's another story. I've gardened around it so long that I have trouble imagining having a garden without a tower or two. I've come to think of it as sculpture. I know that is how Tom regards it! Rosefolly

Another set that is hard to pick a favorite from, but Rose Caprice is definitely on my endless wish list! Shadow

I keep reading further on in this thread and it doesn't make any sense to me. You should NOT be having this much trouble. My suggestion (based on the assumption that you bought your roses from the big box stores and that they are grafted on Dr. Huey): Go to a local nursery that sells roses on Fortuniana rootstock. I noted on the Nelson's Florida Roses site that http://www.gardengatenursery.net/ just got a shipment in on Saturday. Ask them if they sell KO on Fortuniana. If two or three are available, buy them (they are not cheap compared to what you find at Wally-World or Lowes) and test these out in place of your more under performing KOs. If you note a big difference, then your problem, which is common in Florida (especially Central Florida with its sandy soil) is nematoads. Should you still long for the hedge of KOs but need a break on the price, contact Nelson's Roses directly and tell them that you're interested in purchasing...I don't know how many you initially bought...like, 50 bushes and ask for a bulk price (it'll be cheaper than the $20-$25 price you might have paid at Garden Gate). When you go pick them up (you'll need a truck) make sure to ask for Ramon and explain to him what problem you had with the previous lot of KOs. Bring a plant or branch to show him. He will be more than happy to lend some of his advice, and it is very good advice. Good luck and try not to give up on roses. You live in a great spot to grow roses on Fortuniana rootstock. Unfortunately, roses on Dr. Huey rootstock will NOT live in your area and will decline much like what you described. Another challenge if ever you go to Nelson's, I dare you to walk off without more than what you ordered, lol. Good Luck and keep us posted, -Adrian.