I grow Summer of Love, Malibu, and Dream Come True. All three of them have been good roses for me so far. Summer of Love and Malibu are just second year bushes for me. I got them as part of last years J&P Hybrid Tea Test Rose Panel. Both did quite nicely for me. Some people had trouble with bullnose blooms on Malibu, but my flowers opened with no problems. I wondered if it is the environment they are growing in. These two overwintered in my unheated garage in their respective pots and I transplanted them both into the garden early this Spring. They seem to like where they are as they are breaking dormancy well and really putting on new canes and lots of good foliage. Dream Come True has the best bush of the three and maybe in my whole garden. It grows to a nice rounded full-foliaged shape without me having to prune it that way. And, the flowers are quite nice as well. I bought it already potted up from a nursery two years ago and transplanted it directly into the garden and it does well even over the winter with no added protection. John

'Midwest Dreams' is a seed strain and its colour can vary from yellow to nearly orange, not on the same plant, of course. It may not be as vigorous as 'Summer Sun'. The flowers on 'Midwest Dreams' seem to also vary, from single to semi-double. Overall, I would recommend 'Summer Sun'. It has been around longer, and in my opinion, is a more reliable plant. I have another heliopsis named 'Ballerina' that is similar to the other two, and one I like very much.

Thank's everyone, for the comments. I knew it was gonna be a crystal clear, summer day when I got up last Sat. and Sun. It was bright, cheerful and very summery. It just lifted me up when I looked outside my bedroom windows. Here's a pic I took Sun. morning when I woke up. Aprille, thank's for the nice words. You must have great memories of your grandparents plumeria plants. Wow, 30ft. tall ones, must of looked incredible. They are so tropical and the flowers have a clean scent. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the pic of the flowers of it. Jack says thank you for the compliment, by the way. Niecey, It's an inspiring view there, with the light- house nearby. That's the spot, I often will take a pic at, when taking one around where I live. There are lots of incredible views around here though. Thank's for all your beautiful comments. Zeffyrose(Florence), you are very sweet. I hope you do paint that view and your roses as well. I like your flower arrangements in your wonderful collection of vases. Are'nt German Shepards great dogs? I love them and Golden Retriever's best. Hey redsox, thank's for chiming in. It is beautiful. Missflippins, thank's for your gracious words. And your right, Jack does like having his picture taken. Seil, I'm glad you enjoyed sharing these summer days with me. Nice to hear from you. And you are so right. Jack is a big HAM. Lesdvs9(Leslie), It was a great day at the coast in our state for sure! Jack says thank you very much to you. And so glad you liked the pics. Thank's!

Ingrid, thanks for your response. I do hope so. I just planted gallon pots of SDLMs from Chamblee's earlier this week. It rained over the weekend and looks like they have settled in nicely. Hoovb, my BD is 2 years old. About 3 feet tall. My friend who bought a BD at the same time planted it in a sunnier spot has seen hers grow to a 4 foot well rounded bush that has bloomed well. I am hoping mine will do better in its new spot. It's been my experience that most roses I have planted ( OGRs) take about a year to get established. Year two is good and year three onwards is excellent, if they make it through our drought and water restrictions ( once a week ). I have most of mine on a drip, but the squirrels seem to have discovered them too. The only exception seem to be climbers. I have an old blush I am so tempted to do away with. But he is healthy throwing out 6 foot canes, just no flowers. Same with Peggy Martin. Beautiful light green, shiny foliage. I am giving them another year. Patience is not a virtue I seem to have :)