Thank you so much Diane. I can't speak about many of these roses but I had Ambridge Rose years ago and within weeks it was totally covered in rust, the only rose in my garden at that time to have rust. Abraham Darby withers in the sun and now that I have it in the shade also has rust. Carding Mill is excellent for a hot dry climate so that one is certainly correct. Interestingly, when I visited the Austin rose garden at the Barona Casino last August, the only rose that was blooming well from David Austin's list on a blistering hot day was Sophy's Rose. Some blooming well there were Miss Alice, Anne Boleyn, Charles Darwin, Lilian Austin, Mary Magdalene and The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild. It does make me wonder how Mr. Austin acquired his data. Since their American branch is in Texas I would think that would be a good source of information on dry-heat tolerant roses. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has grown the roses listed by Diane in the heat. Ingrid

I've had very good luck with Lemon Spice in no-spray Z8, nearly Z7. I'm not really a yellow person but to my nose, she has one of the strongest fragrances. Clean foliage, both shade and heat tolerant.

I'm a bit late to Darren's party here but just to say that your arch at 2 foot wide is very narrow. Is there a path to walk under? it will be quite a squeeze if so, or perhaps there is no path? Either way, that width won't make it a very sturdy arch, generally you would want one about 4 foot width and cemented in, bearing in mind our windy climate, especially where you are with, what regular 60 mph gusts in the N.W.? I'm in East Anglia and it gets bad enough here. With that in mind, I would have gone for a smaller climbing rose, and thornfree if you intend to walk near it. 'Zephirine Drouhin' is much recommended but it does black spot and mildew in damp climates and grows quite large, I would suggest it needs a bigger sturdier arch if it's not to pull it down in a gale. You might not like my choice here of 'Wild Rover', as it wouldn't be as sumptuous as some of the older fashioned roses and Austin's, but it's virtually thornless and has a strong scent of spicy cloves, it even wafts a bit, and the foliage is large and glossy. It's a climbing Floribunda and blooms all season. It suits my makeshift wooden arch and is just the right size. If I were you I would plant one rose one side of the arch and a clematis of your choice on the other, I feel 2 roses would be overpowering. I like a clematis called 'The Vagabond' it's dark blue but quite striking, but so many to choose from as you know. A pruning group 2 type clematis only. 1 and 3's would not be suitable. 'Wild Rover' in June... it's normally purple but turns reddish in warmer weather. ..in my [crowded] landscape... I also have a narrow path but the arch is wide enough. Hope it gives you some ideas, if not for now, then later on. Best of luck with your choices...

Roses can thrive in the desert, however placement, variety, drip irrigation and mulch are key. Contacting your local rose society or even visiting their website could be helpful. I do not know if your roses are growing in the ground or in pots, but potted roses in hot climates can be very challenging and often require the most attention. As Diane mentioned, drip systems are necessary and most homes built after 1990 should have come standard with a system, however, having a battery back-up is important. Over the course of 15+ years, I gardened in Las Vegas and lost fewer than 10 roses to the Summer heat...and more than half of those were due to drip system failure.. so there is definitely cause to be optimistic. In addition, fungal diseases are often virtually non-existent... Off the top of my head, my most heat tolerant roses: South Africa Blush Noisette Darlow's Enigma Madame Joseph Schwartz La Reine Grandmother's Hat Iceberg ( was planted in mass at Town Square) Little White Pet Portland from Glendora Dee-lish Hume's Blush Tea Maman Cochet Mrs. B.R. Cant Le Vesuve Bolero Grande Dame Pink Peace Don Juan Gemini Joseph's Coat It was rare that I found a rose that did not thrive given afternoon shade... again (regular drip irrigation and mulch is key)... Hopefully Mojave Maria or Debbym (gardener in Phoenix... which is hotter than Las Vegas, but not as dry) will see this thread and add to it...