I raced around this spring trying to get a decent bush shot as my 4 foot, 1 year old bush was loaded with blooms. Unfortunately my photographic talents were not up to the task. How could anyone see this, I said to myself, and not fall in love. Morden Man's pictures of QOS last year on this forum enabled me and for that I have to bow to him in thanks. I get a light powdery fragrance, but the true beauty is in the blooms and the wonderful growth habit. If David Austin could just repeat this same sturdy upright, narrow, relatively thornless growth habit (with excellent disease resistance to boot) in another color I'd jump on it like a duck on a June bug. As of now, before the brunt of our long hot summer assaults it, I would rate this rose an 8.0 for sure.

I'm in zone 5 & all of my austins grew more than the sizes listed on the label in one season, multiple 5-6 foot canes. Except winchester cathedral - that one has been more compact. So plant them how you like today; but be prepared that you may have to move them. I constantly plan my garden beds; trying to fit things to an exact size. However, it never works like that in the garden. So I plant & adjust accordingly along the way.

Ok, Y'all gave me great suggestions! I have ordered some Salvia from here Colonia Creek Farm - I ordered 2 each of Omaha Gold Hummingbird Sage (s. guaranitica) and Mexican Bush Sage 'Midnight' (salvia leucantha 'Midnight') Regarding Lavender, I have tried several types in the past in pots with well draining soil and they look great until about mid-May. Then they just die no matter what I try. It's just too humid and rainy here for them. I'm going to look into Shasta or Becky Daisies, more Echinacea (I have a few), cranesbill (boy are these expensive!! 15.00+ at all the online plant sites I've seen. Cranesbill may be too expensive for me! If anyone wants to trade some divisions of their plants for either a Brugmansia Frosty Pink (rooted and ready to go!) or a Loquat seedling, let me know! Thanks!

Personally I would not be worried or bother spraying - pretty minimal damage. You cannot expect every leave to be perfect!