Lavender/mauve/purple roses are usually the worst. They tend to have more disease issues than most, and they usually have to be babied. I assumed Arctic Blue would be the same, but it did great in its first year in Houston. It always bloomed in nice clusters, it bloomed in the worst heat, and it never had any blackspot issues...which is really saying something in Houston for a lavender rose. I'm a big fan after year 1.

Year 2 Update: Yowza. Talk about vigorous. This thing grows like a weed. I also blooms a LOT in big clusters, but they are super informal, somewhat messy blooms. The blooms also get small in the heat, and because of the light color, they don't stand out as much. But, other than that, it's a great little rose if you like those in this color range.