In this garden 'Francois Rabelais' has been essentially rust free for more than 10 years. It is a short grower and has excellent rebloom. Unfortunately it has no fragrance. I like 'The Prince' as well, wonderful fragrance, gorgeous flower, but a dainty grower and TLC will benefit it greatly. A little afternoon shade to protect from sunburn and crisping flowers helps as well. 'Rouge Royale' has beautiful flowers but the rust is horrific. Rust and mildew resistance, 'Tuscan Sun' has been highly superior. 'Julia Child' also. Those are the first that come to mind, offhand.

Thanks for all the great ideas! I thought about putting a Christmas tree on my front porch however it would block a good bit of my dining room window. Not sure how that would look - I might just have to try it out. I usually just do candles in all of the front windows, lighted garland around the front door and a wreath. Pretty boring. I LOVE the sled and ice skate idea. How cute! I'm going to browse the Better Homes and Garden website now. I've always wanted to put lights in the front yard trees but never have attempted it. This might be my trial and error year! Lori

I am looking at planting Rouge Royale but there seems to be very polarised views about this rose - it seems to do very badly for some (even some very experienced growers) and wonderfully for others. I am trying to figure out what this rose likes so I can choose the right spot for it in my garden. I need all your expertise please! If you can grow this rose can you please share information on your climate, soil, light, water, microclimate, and anything other special treatment you may give her to make her thrive. THANKS!

I'm catching up late on some of these posts--and am so glad I found this one. I adore RR--wonderful form and color--but I always resist buying it because of its susceptibility to BS. Love looking at pics of it, however. Kate