I have had this rose for one year and was delighted with it. It was a very willing bloomer and put on good growth. It didn't appear to be overly susceptible to blackspot in fact I can't remember it getting any. The bloom form was usually old fashioned, full of petals, a beautiful deep pink, and there's the intense old rose fragrance. I look forward to seeing what it does this year.
Now that this rose has been fully established in the garden for 5 years, it seems the Rust problem has gone away. It is now completely disease free and although it does not get any pruning, it remains a shapely 4 X 4 foot bush, with foliage nearly to the ground and an abundance of pink/crimson blooms well distributed around the lush canopy of blue-green foliage. The fragrance is one of the richest "old rose" scents I have ever encountered. Absolutely intoxicating. I am trying to persuade Kim to get someone to distribute this fine rose.
I second both Kim's and Robert's comments. The fragrance is exceptional. Unfortunately this hybrid tends to Rust in my garden, in spite of excellent air flow and full sun exposure.
I have used this some in breeding but unfortunately it tends to make seeds that have a very poor germination rate. The few survivors I have had have all been weak growers and most died within weeks, with one exception: a fairly nice fully double pure white with an extraordinary soapy-sweet candy fragrance. Its hard to describe, but quite delicious.
I love this rose. It's a strong grower on it's own roots. It makes an old fashioned looking shrub rose with a good repeat. The fragrance is delicious and powerful. I suspect it would be hardy to zone 5 or so and resists disease in my climate
