I live in British Columbia and there can be wet, cold weather in spring. My Dark Desire is now 8 years old. It never, ever gets black spot and it is not overly thorny (the worst possible thorns are on Falling in Love.) These aspects are apparently very variable according to location. It would grow too tall and become leggy but I cut it down every sprng. I have to because the cold winter always causes some die off, but each spring it renews itself again. It needs a rejuvenation but I have no idea what more it needs than the fertilizer I provide each year. Too bad they can't talk.

Summer Romance spotted at Home Depot in the Seattle area for $12.98 in 1.5 gallon pots, nice sized, probably own root. I planted Summer Romance last fall as a young plant from Roses Unlimited. This spring the plant has grown nicely and is starting to bloom in my Pacific Northwest garden. The scent is incredible. The blooms are beautiful. The bush is really healthy and beautiful. Love this rose.

I am really looking forward to my dark desire and my Twilight Zone both new as of last fall. So, hoping for great things this year. My Dark Desire is putting on some height and Twilight Zone is looking pretty good too. So finally, what we have all been planning for and dreaming about is begining to happen . Spring is in the air. Birds are singing, days are longer and finally, buds and perhaps some blooms . I need to enjoy my gardens and not let it overwhelm me and take joy in the beauty and not look at the weeds because they will always be there but my blooms are fleeting. Here's to dreams and anticipation

Well I think I am still going to put it in the corner with Royal Jubilee on one side and The Lark Ascending on the other (flowersaremusic). I am really hoping it comes out more purple than red but with all the indecision, I can always move it if I don't like it. It's not a prominent place in the garden but if it's red, it's gonna stick out. I'm afraid if I put it with Blaze it will be too much of a centerpiece which is not my intent. I really like the purples and considered putting Ebb Tide in that corner place but then again I won't have a place for DD. Munstead Wood is in the next corner and DD can't be too far off in color from that, so maybe it will work out. Thank you all for your suggestions and pictures, I sure appreciate it!