I always check the recommended roses list from the local rose society -- a good place to start. I recently read an article that said newer roses are bred for higher disease resistance and longer bloom. Much as I love my Joseph's Coat climber, I think there probably are better multi-color new hybrids out there. I also love Intrigue but it gets leggy for me. The winner for us is Margaret Merrill. It has bloomed almost continually since I put it in the ground in Nov 2004. And I do mean continually -- it has never been out of bloom for more than two weeks at a time, and in total is in bloom almost eleven months out of a calendar year, barely slowing down in winter. And the fragrance is divine, true sweet rose perfume. I have been very disappointed in Gingersnap - great coral color but fades almost immediately to a boring cream; no scent. Since we get fog here and it's been a cold summer, there's no excuse for such poor color from it. Black Cherry has a very faint scent, but striking dark red color with ruffled petals more like a rugosa than a floribunda. I'm surprised more people don't grow shrub roses -- they will bloom even in partial shade, and are great underplanted with rose standards, giving you double bang for the buck. Ladies in Waiting has a medium sweet fragrance, although it makes a poor cut flower. Electric Blanket has won me over because it is simply the toughest, most floriferous little bedding rose ever, and even makes lovely mini-bouquets. The most stunning rose I have ever seen was given to me by a friend who has to jealously guard her roses from ravenous deer. It is Tabu -- a really classic florist's long-stemmed, strongly fragrant, velvety dark red hybrid tea. Tabu and Double Delight are the only hybrid teas I would consider as "must-haves" in the garden!

@nomen_nudum I can't begin to thank you, and for examples too!! The best! @ewwmayo lol I stay in zombie/mombie mode, totally understand! Also thanks on story comment, my sister tells me I read to much, and all my ig post sound like novel excerpts! @brenton2 thank you! Might need to do that 50/50 first cause of funds and time. It's encouraging to get nice choices from you guys!! @brad totally appreciate the id, if someone said a year ago I would be posting on a cactus and succulent forum for ids and advice I would have seriously laughed at them..jokes on me I couldn't quit checking at work, planning my next steps and researching! @kaktuschris wow you know me? I over think and analyze everything even walking ;) poor plants are in trouble! Then i over thought your comment and my response!! @Tahneal hopefully it's not a big deal and just part of their "Gollum" like quirky-ness or cuteness! Cause I definitely feel these guys are precious! So attached, love at first sight =) Thanks again to all!!! Good night

Thank you all for kindly commenting! Sherry, no I don't have any issues with rabbits. I have rarely seen any around here since it is mostly wooded and no fields...but.....I have had a deer problem in years past. They don't bother my gardens anymore. Apparently deer have a good memory and don't ever want to be sprayed by the motion activated sprinklers again! I haven't used the devices the past couple years and have had zero issues. Maryl, I was born in south Georgia and I remember my Granny's camellia bushes and how I loved them. I have lived up here in NH since 1974 and I love it here but I still long for and wish I could grow camellias! So you are right about zone envy.

There may be many reasons, not necessarily sun related. I have had some that do not bloom on year one and assumed they were working on getting their root systems developed. Paniculatas are probably the most sun tolerant of hydrangeas but the leaves/blooms will suffer if exposed to afternoon sun in warm zones like mine. I recommend giving them morning sun only, dappled sun or bright shade. But in bright shade, the lime green will last longer, sometimes the length of the whole growing season and thus, you may not get a white color. So, the more sun, yes, the better but try to keep it to morning sun as much as possible. Again, since you have disturbed the roots again, it may skip blooming on year 1 in the new location if it is trying to develop a good root system. I would wait 3 years for any hydrangea to become established. If no blooms by then it is probably a no-go. Just two other things: Do not prune it in the Spring or Summer and make sure you do not have deer or squirrels that may be eating the flower buds. I can get blooms quite early -early May for example- so better to leave any pruning to winter or late Fall in the rare case you would ever need to prune.