HarmonyP,I hope you haven't thrown out that poor Paradise rose with the signs of RMV. After all, it isn't contagious except through the propagation process, so it won't spread to your other roses. It is very common among big box store roses and still appears sometimes in reputable nurseries. The serious vendors seem to be taking it seriously and trying to glean it from their rootstock sources and budwood source plants, but its hard to eliminate completely because it often doesn't "show" itself at times. But anyway, RMV tends to, over time, weaken the plant and reduce productivity and resistance to diseases and winter frost, but different roses seem to show varying degrees of resistance. So once you know you have it, you might as well keep the plant as long as it seems to be growing and producing ok. I've had some infected specimens that still produced beautifully for several years. As for vendors, I think it makes perfectly fine sense to do what you've done. I did the same. Early on, I could not afford a lot of expensive plants but wanted to expand my varieties.I've had some great Lowe's roses and even from (gasp) Walmart. But once I got to a point where I no longer had room for many more roses, I naturally felt comfortable being much more selective, and the specialty vendors were there ready and waiting. I just got rid of roses that didn't please me. That was many cheap roses, but also some expensive ones. I don't consider the expense entirely wasted, because I satisfied some curiosity about the variety. I've had a few that were first purchased cheap and then replaced from a serious nursery, such as Chrysler Imperial and Elina. But I've also kept some of those cheapies for many years. One of my best workhorse roses has been Paradise, purchased from Home Depot, which I agree is generally one of the worst sources to buy from. Go figure. The big box stores definitely mislabel much more often, but you know what, I've had that happen from some of my favorite nurseries, too. It happens. One of my favorite roses ever was an obviously mislabeled red rose from Kmart (back in the early 1990s). Even friends with the Mobile Rose Society never were able to identify it, but it was a gorgeous,voluptuous velvety red rose of impressive size --and thorniness. Sometimes those unplanned mistake events turn out to be pleasant surprises. Last year I made one cheap purchase, just for no reason. I bought Chicago Peace for 3 bucks, because I saw it and had already spent what I had budgeted on "serious" roses. It even had waxed canes. It produced beautiful blooms even though the plant didn't seem very robust. I thought I'd replace it with a better Ch. Peace this year, but lo and behold, by November it was starting to bulk up and become a proper bush. So I've given it a repreave for another year. Who knows, I may never have to replace it.

Phil -- Grandiflora. It's only in their Spring 2010 mail order catalog -- totally missing from their big wholesale catalog for 2010. But the mail order catalog says this: NEW Peppermint Splash. Grandiflora Var. JACdrama (PPAF) A unique blend of white, red and peppermint-pink splashes and speckles. Enormous blooms, each one distinctively different, open with perfect high-centered form, releasing the evocative "high summer" aroma of fresh honeysuckle. The petals aren't exactly striped-- instead they're a swirled confection of rich pink against Christmas and snowy white. For lovers of one of a kind beauty with an artistic twist, this new rose is absolute tops! Own-root rose. Exclusive. 4 1/2 - 5 feet Height/ Red and white (turning pink) striped 4 1/2 inch blooms -- late spring to early summer Pointed ovoid buds / 20-25 petals / 14" to 18" stems Large glossy dark green foliage Light sweet honeysuckle scent / full sun 38663-X7R Bareroot $18.95 Kathy

Thank you Lilyfinch! This group has been so helpful... and I’ve learned so much about roses and plants thanks to all of the collective knowledge that everyone here has shared... and I figure it only works if we all contribute and share what we can. I see you’re not too far from me. Do you happen to grow or know anyone who grows Pretty in Pink Eden or Parade Rose... or a climber that’s similar in shape and color? I have a spot that would only get late afternoon sun... and I’m trying to figure out which climber would do best in that spot. Also would you have any recommendations a for good repeat blooming rose with a romantic look that would look good planted in front of Eden and next to Bolero? Some of the roses I’m considering are: Pretty Lady, Ascot, Leonardo De Vinci, Princess Anne, James L. Austin... I’m not even sure if they would all thrive in my area and location. They would get all day sun. I LOVE peonies and have tried growing them with no success due to the fact we get no winter chill here by the coast. So I’m really drawn to roses that have a similar look to peonies... that round globe like, ruffly cabbage shape.

Right now it is in a two gallon pot. I would not plant it in anything bigger than a 3 gallon for the moment. Don't spend a lot of money. Go to a local nursery and ask them if they would sell you a used 3 gallon pot (one of the black plastic pots) as you are just going to use it for a short time. Should not cost more than a few dollars. I think Miracle-Gro is OK potting soil. There are other choices which have more compost or are organic. If it is the Miracle-Gro with the fertilizer already in the soil don't add any other fertilizer for the moment. You will know the roots are recovering as it puts out new top growth. You should see significant growth in the next 3-4 weeks. If you do not have a good way to overwinter a pot then it would be wise to put the rose in the ground by the first of August so it can put down more roots and acclimate to your conditions before winter sets in. Good luck!