That bud is going to make one huge and beautiful bloom! I have this rose also and it really makes its presence known with its huge flowers, which are also fragrant. I recently bought a second one because I like it so much. The dark vase goes very well with your bloom. Ingrid

How about an update on this topic since Belinda's Dream is continuing to impress me this summer. It's the hottest part of summer now and a good time to analyze how roses are performing at this worst time of year in the South. Here's a picture of a Belinda's Dream bloom. The size is not diminished at all by the heat. Here's another picture showing a bud and a bloom. You can also see how beautiful the foliage still is. Another picture showing the blooms and foliage. Last of all, a shot showing the whole bush. Not the best quality photo, but it shows just how good the plant is looking. Keep in mind that I haven't sprayed this plant at all this year with either insecticide or fungicide. I do provide supplemental irrigation when needed, and I mulch. Could you ask for more out of a rose in my climate? Here is a link that might be useful: A shameless link to my non-commercial blog

Thanks, Carol! Hope you have a chance to get a handle on William Shakespeare 2000 this year, he seems to be really worth growing. On the other hand I am wondering if you can grow real gallicas where you are? They might be even more beautiful, but I guess only once blooming. pelicanhead, that is soooo... awesome that you posted a picture of your 'Wedding Cake'! Thank you very much! I am dying to hear where you did get yours from! On your photo the bloom color looks like a soft apricot/pink with some yellow petals more to the center of the bloom. Could you observe some of these yellow inner petals changing into a pale green as the flower aged like some of the pictures of HMF show? I am very relieved that you write that your band arrived in a similar condition like mine did. Since you have been able to keep yours alive and babied it even to produce three blooms in its first year, maybe mine will survive, too. Did you do anything special to pamper your band? Somehow I think I remember that you are growing your roses in Southern California, too? Is that correct or am I totally off? Here is a pic of my Wedding Cake (left side) and Lavender Crystal (on the right) taken today. They both have started to leave out. I am so excited! Christina Here is a link that might be useful: Organic Garden Dreams

Your Belinda's Dream rose is outstanding! Plus the foliage is as blemish free as the flowers. The Confederate jasmine makes a wonderful rose companion. It really seems as if I can smell it ... LOL! Hopefully the thrips will not be as bad this year as last year. I have a few, but the rose experts say the beneficials will show up soon and help keep them in check. I think last year the strong hot winds brought in a lot more thrips than usual. I called ARE and asked what they do and they said spraying the whole bush with seaweed solution helps. Thanks for showing us your BD. Keep the photos coming, okay?