Have you tried Antique Rose Emporium? I believe they still have Abraham Darby as that one is on my wishlist for this year. I also want to grow mine as a climber. It's such a lovely rose.

Looks like Heirloom Roses has it as well... they are bands, ARE is 2 gallon roses. Prices are really reasonable at both places.

Hope that helps & if not, I am sure lots of wonderful suggestions will come.

Michaela

Have you looked at 'Crown Princess Margareta' as a substitute?

:-)

~Christopher

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Crown Princess Margareta' at HelpMeFind

I like my Colette as a short climber

Too bad you are not closer. I pulled up my Abe for the trash can and forgot to toss it in (Santa Barbara)

I'd like to try to send a whole plant photo, but my files may be too large for Garden Web. My Colette will be starting her third year this spring. Diane

Thank you all. I bought some plants through the internet a few months ago and I wasn't impressed with the quality. It made me realize that when it comes to plants I really need to look at them. But I'll check out the vendors suggested and the other roses.

I'm not sure why you are reluctant to order directly from David Austin online. Abe is available there, and Austin always sends excellent bareroot plants. The only objection I've ever heard on this forum is that Austin's prices are a bit high, but nowadays, so are the prices at many other nurseries also.

I'd guess that lots of us order online. Check with us if you want to order online so we can let you know if that is a good place to get roses. Rest assured that Austin is a good place to get roses.

Kate

I have two Colettes on order from Roses Unlimited and Chamblees also sells Abraham Darby. Both look gorgeous!!!

You might be interested in seeing the many good responses I got in this thread from a few weeks ago. Of course you would have to factor in zonal differences.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/roses/msg1213471414907.html?7

I haven't received roses from ARE yet, placed my first order with them last week, but have only heard wonderful things...

I ordered 4 roses from Heirloom last spring, all were extremely healthy, had great roots, and grew very well for their first year. I would definitely recommend them. They have wonderful reviews on their site from gardeners who got Abe Darby from them.

Good luck!
Michaela

I guess I just know that for me, I'm a happier gardener when I can see the plant before I buy. But I did go to the ARE website and I have a question. Their roses are on their own roots. I do have nematodes in my soil, will grafted rootstock hold up better? I also see some indication that own root roses may not get as big which is a minus for what I want on the trellis. Any comments?

I have both Abraham D. & Colette.

Colette has her 'pink' times and the fragrance does not waft. On the plus side she is disease resistant and has a 'cottage' look.

I ordered online (1st time) from Chamblee's a month and a half ago. The Austin's were in a larger pot (maybe 2 gal ?) and growth was about 12 inches and well branched.

Some I'd love to see in person:
Aloha Hawaii - Kordes'03
Barock - Evers'99
Dixieland Linda - Bonnyman'96
Janet Inada - Barden'07, 6ft. parent=Westerland x A.Darby
Papi Delbard - oopds, 15ft
Polka
Sunset Glow aka 'Ali Baba' - Warner'06

Here is a link that might be useful: Abraham Darby

If you cant find Abe, by all means, order from David Austin directly! For years, the roses I order are top quality, large, and always grow well. I sure don't have to see their roses before I buy. I am getting ready to make a big order and there is no doubt they will all be top quality. I adore Abe, have 2 and am going to order a 3rd. Their prices are like Heirlooms - and you get a huge bareroot instead of a band [tho the Heirloom bands are healthy and nice sized]. With DA - the bush takes off right away and is big. I wouldn't hesitate at all to order from them.

As for apricot, one of my favorites is Crepuscule. It has small gorgeous apricot blooms and it blooms repeatedly. It has a beautiful arching form - I plant as many of these as I have room for. Fabulous rose!!

I ordered Polka from Heirloom, its still a small band in a pot and will stay potted for at least another year.

To me, best bet is order from D. Austin. You wont be disappointed.
Judith

Judith, don't forget to get 20 percent off, any rose, when you order from Austin. Offer code is RC3. Good until Feb 13. Diane

Have you looked at Perle d'Or? Here in zone 9 it grows to 7-8 feet, and about 3 feet wide. Blooms are just like Cecile Brunner, except they are a lovely apricot/peach color. Healthy, no diseases, and blooms a LOT.

Jackie

Be forewarned that Abe Darby is a rust bucket in Southern California and it grows kinda sideways. Colette is pretty but not really apricot. My favorite is a Mini Climber called What a Peach...nearly always in flower.

Kent

It would probably help if you said your location, not asking specifics just the general area.

If you have nematodes, it might help to ask what root stocks are working for people in your area.