I purchased Estelle last season, i was actually gonna purchase its the rose (Leonidas), that was my youngest daughter's wedding rose,i promised her we would plant it together after her wedding, but, after researching the rose i found it would not do well in a garden setting,(Thanks to Helpmefind) but the Estelle was more vigorous and hardy for the garden. I have found it to be just that, a very vigorous and hardy rose, this rose establish itself very quickly and it is disease resistant (although, i do spray weekly for disease and insect control), I so love the coloring and shape of this high centered rose, and it keeps its coloring til the end, no fading.
This rose is not slowed by high heat, and i still had blooms on it in mid november. Estelle is winter and summer hardy to zone 6. It came through its first winter here without any problems. i donot mulch because all of my plant beds are rocked, so with just the 2 layers of rocks to act as some protection, estelle did just fine. J
ust some minor prunning,i have noticed 2 new basil breaks since she broke dormancy. This is also a great cut flower, and has staying power in the vase as well as the on vine. My daughter is very happy with it, when she and her husband comes over she always looks at her rose,(she doesnt know the difference)!