Carol, I planted two last year and they did great for me, especially for own root. I am very anxious to see what they do this season. They still look very healthy. I loved the blooms, although mine weren’t fragrant either, I hope that will come. I wouldn’t advise anyone else what to do. I have read some mixed opinions, but it seems like the majority have been positive. I know how important fragrance is for you, and sometimes fragrance takes time, but if it were me I’d give it another chance unless there was something I liked better to replace it.

Oh dear! I have not had any luck with any of the newer Kordes roses. I am going to shovel prune tomorrow my second Dark Desire. I planted them in the ground in two different spots, a year apart and both plants black caned and dead to the ground each year. I will also be sping Summer Romance, same condition and have already sp'd First Crush. They go to plant heaven with their siblings Lion Fairy Tale, Exceptional Fairy Tale and Souvenir de Baden Baden. I am still holding out to see if anything comes back on Jasmina or Laguana but nothing yet. These plants were in three different gardens and it is too much of a trend within a breeder group. They are only rated to zone 5-9. Were yours in pots? Maybe it was still too cold for them in your garage.

DD is still alive, but dead canes almost to the ground. Summer Romance wasnot affected at all. Fire Opal and First Crush only a very little bit. I think DD is typical hybrid tea regarding tenderness. For me it is very fragrant, but that depends on the time of day. Newflora used to list when their roses were most fragrant, so if you can find their old site it might help you out. I forget how to do that or I'd post it here.

Sara Ann - the color is so pretty, and you're right...fragrance could still come in. I'll give it another chance. :)

lkayetwvz - At least I don't have the problems with black canes. Mine has lots of cane in its pot in the garage. Looks healthy. That's too bad for you....sounds like it's not for you in your zone.

Vaporvac - Wow...you too? More dead canes just like lkayetwvz. So yours is very fragrant...there's hope for this one. It stays. :)

Carol

If (IF) your decision is to give it away because it's not satisfactory, consider offering it to a stranger, rather than a friend.

I love my DD! It does die back but it bounces right back. Good repeat and has always been fragrant here.

I have two First Crush own root, planted at the same time, same area. One is cut down to the ground, one got a haircut. They should have been the same. Lion's Fairy Tale, Rose of Hope, and Soul Sister were both smaller, but survived better. I can tell you that First Crush has huge blooms that smell wonderful. Not a normal rose smell, but really nice. I almost got Dark Desire a bunch of times, but never got around to it. Maybe try First Crush? The first canes it sent up were the largest I've ever had on a new plant. I can't remember if you already have it, but it's nice.

Ok, in zone 8 my DD has doubled in size. But it is still very new so it is still a wait and see. Hopefully in a warmer climate it will take off

I am sure hoping for lots of those gorgeous colored blooms.

Rifis - so funny!! I love your wry sense of humor. :) So I take it you're not a fan of DD. :)

Dingo - sounds like you love it. I think I'll give it another year.

Witchygirl - I don't have a chance to get First Crush...but I'll try to remember it if I ever find it. :)

Kristine - yes, mine gets quite large too. I'm going to cut it right down this year, so that the canes don't break in our high winds. Yes, I'm hoping (but not expecting) lots of blooms. :)

Carol

I am surprised about DD! Mine is extremely fragrant and has buds now. I planted her last year and cut h r back hard. Kinda wonky twisted growth. I thought it was from growing packed together with others. May not be, may be it’s way. She is very drought tolerant and gets lots of radiant heat from my driveway. She does get shade some during the day. I am excited to see what she does this year.

Today. Yes I hacked it up

gagal, I've found her very vigorous, just less hardy that expected in a true Z6 winter. I actually thought I could have grown her as a climber based on the prior winter's growth. She will send out huge canes and had no trouble shooting out basals, but mine are grafted. She is a reliable bloomer and her flowers last well on the bush... almost too long! They do seem susceptible to botrytus(sp?) in the wet fall, but very healthy foliage in general. there are times she's not as fragrant, but in the evening she's almost always.

Good to hear your feedback, Vaporvac - it sounds like 'Dark Desire' would work well for my future Halloween garden!

Gagal - extremely fragrant?? Oh for sure I'm going to keep it!!

Carol

And the blooms begin!! So rich and deep...

Colour me jealous!!! That is SO beautiful! Mine are inches tall at the moment. : (

That bloom is perfection, so beautiful!

ac91 Halloween garden? I'm picturing black roses. Now that would be something I would pay Heirloom prices for. Anyone that can make a truly black rose would get my money.

I've got a variety of colors in mind for the roses, the Halloween theme will be in the names - Full Moon Rising (if Northland can get some cuttings to take), Midnight Magic, Black Magic, Daring Spirit, Moondance, Dark Desire, Twilight Zone, etc. Getting them arranged is going to be all kinds of 'fun' with my indecisive perfectionism. 'That side has too many dark colors... that white sticks out too much, I need another one to balance it!' etc. I mean, it will be fun but I'll also go a little crazy I'm sure.

Heirloom would get me to pay full price for that truly black rose too, Witchy! If it was Kordes ADR as well they could charge us $50 and we'd cough it up.

We're all mad here... at least the company is great!

Yes! Definitely Twilight Zone. They named it well. It's a very Halloween purple all by itself. I hope to see pics!

I'll have most of the 'backbone' roses this year, it's just going to be a matter of if that bed is workable and I can get them in the ground. I've got about a foot of leaves on it right now, to kill the grass and hopefully improve the soil a bit.

If they have to live in pots this year, I'll at least show you guys the bed and the planned layout!

Gagal - oh!! What a beautiful color!!! I soooooo very much love that color!!! Oh wow!! :)

Loving the dialogue here. :)

Carol

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

I may need to quote you on that! " The weeds will always be there, but the blooms are fleeting."

Oh WitchyGirl - that's hysterical!!! I love it!!! I'm going to show my rose friend this!! So you show this really funny thing...but you also have depth by saying: The weeds will always be there, but the blooms are fleeting. Excellent!!! :)

Carol :)

Today!

Oh wow that is what all growers of DD hope for. What stunning blooms.

Kristine, the petals are like velvet!! My phone just does not so them justice! Oh, the smell...one of my few impulse buys that is a success!

GaGal - Huminna huminna!!! :) That's what I hope mine looks like this summer. You've showcased the perfect color and shape!! Oh my!!

Carol

Thanks Carol! The color is deep and intense. I adore it!