2012 - No more caterpillars eating everything - bloomed almost continuously up into november. marvelous colors incredibly fotogenic- scent remains even when dried making it wonderful for potpourris and rose thee. Healthy. an absolute favorite.
Planted spring '08: From 09 on the first buds are eaten up from the inside by something???? - can't get at them before they ruin the buds - then the new buds grow and they are ok. Thus it starts blooming late - but mine is true to it's reputation as an october bloomer! It is rich and healthy (except for the "bud bugs"). I save the old flower petals which don't loose their fragrance with drying, for potpourri or for rose tea ( together with Vervaine is a wonderful tea)