I understand this so well! For me, there are so many beautiful roses out there that I need the second qualification of fragrance. I see no sense in planting scentless roses when I am limited to 15 bushes (my husband would interject something here about "limited")?! I've got some super-smellers, and those are always the ones I move to first: Neptune, French Perfume, Mr. Lincoln, Double Delight... Some new ones this year that are still babies but smell and look promising are Zephirine Drouhin and Sweet Afton. I've come to a similar conclusion this year (which is only my second growing roses and my first ordering any online): I really need to see and smell them in person. Unfortunately. I've got two disappointments out of eight roses I ordered (and a couple aren't far enough along to get a good sense of anything). Midas Touch really doesn't smell like much to me, and Fragrant Cloud is nowhere near the color I planned for. All of the pictures and descriptions I saw listed it as orange. I wanted an orange rose. I did not want this oddball corally-red-pink rose that clashes with everything except the white Afton. It smells okay, but... bah. I haven't figured out what to do with it, so it's still in a pot. The person that said it doesn't photograph well was spot-on! I've also found that some roses that aren't described as having the strongest scents turn out to be enough of a pleasing kind of scent to balance it out. Catalina and Mardi Gras are two examples of those to me. The sense of smell is a fickle thing. That or we just need scratch-and-sniff catalogs. :D

My faves...... *Nicotiana alata (common evening flowering white) *Datura inoxia *Matthiola incana (started blooming in 90+ degree temps!) *Clarkia elegans (Clarkia amoena does not have a fragrance) *Lilac *Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana).....Native to Eastern WA. I'm scoping out seeds around the corner from me...empty lot. It's a matter of getting them before the birds do though LOL! They are still in flower and smells soooo heavenly :O *Common Milkweed (give it it's own area!) I've been yanking out runners this year 15' away from the mother plant...runners didn't start until year 4! *Phlox paniculata As far as foul smelling: *Pelargonium x hortorum *Ginkgo biloba....steer clear of females; their fruit are extremely foul smelling!! *Ligustrum obtusifolium (Privet) *Juniper (I think it smells of cat urine) Of course most herbs, however there is no smell until leaves or flowers(of some) are crushed,rubbed, etc. Some people think Catmint smells like cat urine. Not sure which Nepeta they have, but mine sure smells much more pleasant than that LOL!

Jackie, Good for you! Fragrance is very important. BUT, most of the time, I can't smell most of my roses. The Rugosa Rotesmeer is the only rose I grow which consistently provides me scent. I can also smell myrrh which is probably why I like it. I can pick up a little wafting scent as I walk through the garden. It is light and pleasing. But, disappointing when you figure I have at least 30 very fragrant roses. On the other hand, the fragrance of the butterfly bushes is overwhelming. And I love my "Miss Kim" too. So fragrance is not necessary to allow me to love my roses.

Monkeyfoot- Thanks for uploading a photo. Despite the yellowing leaves, it look great! Like kayjones says, the leaves will grow back!:) Dan- wow- such a long post!:) Yes, I finally opened my web store, because I am feeling a little better. I am still in pain but the meds help me get around a bit more. I'm also on vacation so I thought processing orders would be a lot less stressful during this time. :) Mango Crush is such a vigorous fast grower and bloomer. Mine hasn't started blooming yet, but it won't be long! Glad yours is doing well. I love Morelia! Which angels belong to the Aurea group? I always have a hard time remembering. What qualifies an angel to belong to that group? I would be so honored to trade for some of your new babies to trial for you. I haven't done any hybridizing yet, nothing is really blooming for me. But they are budding up! Yes you gave me Rudy- and I just planted it last week in my front garden. I just LOVE Peaches & Creams' fragrance- you say it's better than that? Wow, I can't wait for it to bloom! Do you know who the pollen donor is? Very interesting! Thanks again for the tip for using molasses, I forgot about it. I will try it! My brugs are holding up well so far. The hottest it's been was 106*. I planted most in ground last year. Those in ground have a deep layer of composted horse manure over them, and I haven't had to hand water them yet! Thank God, I couldn't water them in my condition anyway! We are behind in our rain for the month so far. Get your list together soon, I'm selling the best angels fast! I have only a few special angels that are not listed on my site. Have to get some Murphy's to combat a few mites that I have. Looking forward to your email and photos when you can!