I've seen it both ways, usually in its first year it is a washed out pink colour, it gets better in its second year, looking more like the stock photo.

Well the bareroot came in from David Austin USA today and I must say it appears to be in fine condition. Had one pinched root that I cut off but other then that it looks good, just posting in case anyone wanted to know how they come. Had good communication, after they emailed me the confirmation I emailed back asking for when it would ship, they told me next day and I should have it by today which I did. Still looking for any experience anyone has with this beastie. It is currently soaking as you can see below.

Oh thanks Kim! I have and LOVE Mel's Heritage - it drapes over my front fence in front of my farm and is absolutely a show stopper! I think I might have Renae - it is a pretty decent sized rose in a pot, I have it growing rather like a standard but tag got lost - will have to let it bloom in spring and see. I have been wanting to try Florence Bowers and think I will do that - any of these would be good, just want to add something different. And just thought of this - a few years back, I was looking at a house for sale with a friend of mine who was looking - and spotted a magnificent Mutablis that was growing as a draping climber - the people had let it grow from one huge cane that they had kept pruned from the ground up to where the plant had leaves and it was blooming and draping from the top of the plant. Like a standard that was tied to the wall and draping. I had a fit - and wanted to do the same thing with it so bought a 1 gallon Mutablis from Chamblees some years ago and separated the 3 rooted cuttings. One died but the other 2 lived. They are now in 3 gallon pots - I just pruned them the other day and they are growing like standards. I plant to plant them on my front fence [a 3 board horse fence] and let them drape over it on either side, keeping the main cane trimmed so it wont look messy at the bottom. I could use one of these in that spot, but think Florence is more what I am wanting, bigger blooms that can be seen from my deck. Some of those photos of this rose on HMF growing over an arbor are simply gorgeous! Going to order one right now! You always have the best advice and suggestions, I so enjoy reading your posts. You should write a book and put down all your knowledge - it would sell like hotcakes and make you rich! Just ordered some from Burling, and had a lovely chat with her by phone - such a charming lady! Thank you for your suggestions - just what I needed! Judith

There is this reference on Help Me Find-Roses. The Quest for the Rose Book (1993) Page(s) 146. Includes photo(s). ('Russelliana', 'Old Spanish Rose', 'Russell's Cottage Rose', 'Souvenir de la Bataille de Marengo') An old Rambler of unknown origin. Probably bred in Spain around 1840. Summer flowering. Height: 600 cm (20 ft.) Well scented.