In the first book Mr. Austing wrote about his roses and hybridizing: "English Roses", published in 1996, he listed the rose varieties he had bred to that time as belonging to certain strains based on his foundation breeding lines. The strains listed at that time were; "The Heritage Strain", "Portland Strain", "Gloire de Dijon Strain", "Old Rose Strain" and "Aloha Strain". There were of course many fewer varieties at that time, perhaps 120 or so varieties, some of which had already been superceded as being inferior, as Mr. Austin called it at that time. In addition, the early to mid 1990's was when the English roses became known pretty much world wide and became a litteral horticultural phenomenum. Claire Martin, in his 1997 book "100 English Roses for the American Garden" wrote: "A picture of "The Reeve" in a Los Angeles garden column was instrumental in raising public awareness of the English Roses. Although a number of collectors had been growing these roses for some time, the Austins hadn't made it into garden centres and national catologues ( in the U.S. ). Then articles in the media created such a demand that nurseries were forced to hunt high and low to find growers to supply the demand."... In 2001, David Austin published an updated version of the book on his roses titled: "The English Roses, Classic Favorites and New Selections". By the time he wrote that book, he had updated his thinking on strains and now split them into six groups, again, based on breeding as well as traits. The six groups listed in 2001 were: "The Old Rose Hybrids", "The Leander Group", "The English Musk Roses", "The English Alba Hybrids", "The English Climbing Roses"; this group is based on the climbing trait and varieties are listed in other groups as well; and a new breeding line, called "The English Cut Flower Roses". David Austin writes in the later book, that ..."I have long been a lover of the old Alba Roses, which seem to me to capture the very essence of Old Rose beauty. We first used these roses in our breeding program without any clear idea of what might be achieved. The result, however, has been a group of roses of considerable charm and delicacy."... The roses he list as Alba Hybrids in that book are: Ann, Cordelia, Scarborough Fair, The Alexandra Rose, and Windflower. Shropshire Lass is another older variety that shows Alba in her breeding, as does "Heavenly Rosalind". I am a great admirer of Mr. Austin's "English Roses", grow many now and have grown many other varieties in the past. However, thus far I have not tried any of his Alba Hybrids, so cannot provide any review of these varieties in the garden. Cheers, Rick

Hmmm, bman1920 said "purple" and "Gallica" in his original post, but I see we have wandered far afield, and so I'll add a couple more suggestions. I like the idea of purple roses too, but there are also Gallicas that start out purplish pink and then age purple-lavender-gray, and that are good. 'De la Maitre-Ecole' (the name has variations) is very good, with large fragrant blooms and a sturdy grower--it does sucker--and a favorite of mine, which might require better treatment than some, is 'Ypsilante', with big scented velvety flowers. I wish this one WOULD sucker. Actually I have met very few Gallicas I didn't like, and most of the medium- and darker-hued ones lean to purple or lavender at some stage of bloom development. Leaving Gallicas behind, a rambling rose I like, even though it's scentless, is 'Rose Marie Viaud'. This has little double blooms the shape and color of a Parma violet. I'm currently trying to figure out a place for mine where it won't die of chlorosis. Oh, and finally, two purple Mosses: 'William Lobb', very tall, vigorous and obliging, and 'Capitaine John Ingram', low-growing and Gallica-like, the flowers little velvet purple rosettes with a button eye and a smooth lavender reverse. Both fragrant, of course. Melissa

Hi Lynne - Great to hear from another Claytonite.....I live off 42 E near flowers plantation. I just read back over what I wrote and realized that I worded that terribly....sorry about that. I'm not looking for the plant around here...I've found a source over the internet. Rather, I am looking to see if anyone around here has had any experience with these particular roses and if so, are they as easy to keep as all the hype suggests. I got burned a while ago when I believed all the hype on Chindo Viburnum being so easy to keep and I've had a nightmare with those plants, along with numerous other people in the area. I LOVE DeWaynes...a bit pricey but what beautiful plants. Jody - thanks for the info. It does sound like the plant is pretty tough from what you said. I'm sorry you don't know anyone where you live...that's always rough. I've gone through a few moves myself that way and it's always hard to get started. Best of luck! Thanks, Lori

Tangles, I'm so glad you are going to order the Queen! I feel she is one of the loveliest roses ever created. What country do you reside in? Yes, your impression is correct. The Queen is more of an arching shrub that is somewhat languid and very graceful. She grows beautifully on a tripod, as a fence or wall shrub or tied to a trellis. I grow mine next to a wall and support her with a surround of rebar and and plant twine. She and Basye's Purple and Botzaris weave together as they throw out their arching canes across the bed. When the Queen's canes arch horizontally, she blooms all along the canes. Please post photos when your rose(s) arrive! I'd love to share in your excitement. :-) Carol