Kristi, we grow roses down here in coastal Ventura Co. up against a South-facing retaining wall. Air flow isn't a problem, but reflected heat from the wall HAS been a problem, burning canes badly in many cases. Finally, we put latticework panels up against the wall, and that breaks the impact somewhat. Your area is (in my experience) warmer than ours, so that can be a problem. As the plants mature, if they acquire that "bare-at-the-bottom" look, you might plant dwarf lavender (or something of the sort) at the feet of the roses, to protect those bare canes. BEWARE of 'La Reine.' (Upright, but short) She's beautiful, but can have some real mildew problems. We've had better luck with "Barbara's Pasture Rose,' (Upright, rounded bush) which I can best describe as "La Reine On Steroids." She is far healthier, in my experience. She comes to my mind because I THINK there will be some plants for sale at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 4/21. 'Reine des Violettes' (arching growth, or climber) should have no disease problems, and it's a real beauty. If conditions are alkaline (and house foundations can contribute to this) she may have problems with chlorosis. Honestly, I prefer "Forest Ranch Pom-Pom, which for some reason does NOT have chlorosis problems. But if you go with 'La Reine,' prepare to ammend conditions to suit her fancy. Ulrich Brunner Fils -- We have not grown. Beware powdery mildew problems with roses in this color class, particularly as a child of Paul Neyron. Grandmother's Hat (quite upright) should be bullet proof for you. Once she begins to mature, she should be disease-free, and a fast repeater. Fragrance and vase life will both please you. Jeri

Does the American Rose Society have recommendations on rose rosette? I found articles on their website. When contacting the local society, it would appear they believe there are large numbers of herbicide damage being mistaken as rosette, and there is just no way to tell attitude. I was hoping to find someone besides myself, and the local extension to confirm to others that what is present is actually rosette. I thought if there was a rose expert I could recommend to my HOA to consult with maybe they would wake up. I viewed pictures of herbicide damage, and it looks different. The local extension agent knows the difference, and has seen the difference. My fear is others may take the it is just herbicide damage no worries here attitude. Another resident removed diseased bushes, I wanted to cry when I saw it, because I was so happy someone actually paid attention. Anyone know if you can get arrested from taking photos at public places considered private property such as shopping centers?

Thanks, everyone! I ordered from ARE last week: Cornelia, Madame Berkeley, Mutabilis, Sally Holmes, and Marie Van Houtte. These last three didn't come up on this thread, so hope I chose well. Mutabilis and Sally were on my want list, but I had forgotten about them. I've seen both around here looking really stunning. Marie Van Houtte was more of an impulse buy. I wanted Mrs Dudley Cross, but read MVH is less prone to mildew. Rosette Delizy was also a contender, but her color not as good with my existing plants. I really wanted to order the Cochets, but restrained myself due to the balling. Sigh... Marie VH and Mme Berkeley will have lots of sun; Mutabilis, mostly sun; Sally H will have morning sun. Not sure yet about where to plant Cornelia. I've read conflicting reports about how much sun she likes. I'll probably get one more shade tolerant rose- maybe Pax, Buff Beauty, or Reve D'or. My clay soil is waterlogged, so I'll probably need to wait awhile to plant. No complaints about the rain, though!

Rosecollector, When you get red leaves on roses on Fortuniana, how long does it take for those leaves to become green? I do remember Jonny Becnel showing us roses on Fort where the canes' diameters were illogical, but I don't remember his showing the reddish leaves. By the time that buds are developing do you still have apical red leaves? Thanks.