I keep seeing in catalogues reassurances that David Austin roses are
tough plants and don't require pampering.

But I remain sceptical about how successful a plant bred in England
can be in, oh just for example, a city built on the edge of the
prairie in the U.S. midwest, where hot and dry days are common.

I live in Chicago. Yes, I know how to use a sprinkler, but
that's not the same as living in England's green and pleasant land.

Does anyone have any experience with these plants in these conditions?

--
-john

February 28 1997: Last day libraries could order catalogue cards
from the Library of Congress.

I have several Dave Austin's, and although they are very nice, I would not
call them care free. They require winter protection in my zone, and they
tend to develop black spot. (I spray every 7 to 14 days) As far as watering,
I would say they are need no more or less than your typical hybrid.



One other thing, you need to be careful not to feed Austin roses too high a
nitrogen fertilizer. The bloom stems tend to be very flexible, resulting in
bloom droop, so I try to give them a bit more phosphorous and potassium and
a little less nitrogen, to promote sturdier canes and stems.



Saying all that, I love the Austin bloom form, and they are strong-scented.
I'm glad to have them, and you would be too, as long as you don't mind
fussing a little.



Jeff, Southeast Michigan, Zone 5



"John M. Gamble" wrote in message
...
I keep seeing in catalogues reassurances that David Austin roses are
tough plants and don't require pampering.

But I remain sceptical about how successful a plant bred in England
can be in, oh just for example, a city built on the edge of the
prairie in the U.S. midwest, where hot and dry days are common.

I live in Chicago. Yes, I know how to use a sprinkler, but
that's not the same as living in England's green and pleasant land.

Does anyone have any experience with these plants in these conditions?

--
-john

February 28 1997: Last day libraries could order catalogue cards
from the Library of Congress.

In article ,
Jeffrey L. Kline wrote:
I have several Dave Austin's, and although they are very nice, I would not
call them care free. They require winter protection in my zone, and they
tend to develop black spot. (I spray every 7 to 14 days) As far as watering,
I would say they are need no more or less than your typical hybrid.


I am, in theory, zone 5 also, so the protection part is good to know.

What concerns me more is the black spot - I currently don't spray (it
helps that my two roses are both Griffith Buck roses) and it would have
to be a very impressive rose to get me to start. Of course the David
Austin roses *are* very impressive, so there I am leaning towards a
"buy" decision.

Hmm.

--
-john

February 28 1997: Last day libraries could order catalogue cards
from the Library of Congress.

Have you looked at their website? There is discussion on that about which roses will do in which zones: http://www.davidaustinroses.com/amer...sp?PageId=2063

Our Chamblee's Rose Nursery www.chambleeroses.com

Lists David Austin(R) English Roses in zones typically 4-9 some 5-10
and some 4-11

The map they use is the USDA Plant Hardiness zone map - puts
the windy city in zone 5.

So most can handle it there to up to central Wi Westward.

You having -20 to -10 degrees F as a minimum range for zone 5.

I suspect they have rose information on their site and the roses we
picked up from them are wonderful. We are in zone 8.

Martin

Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
TSRA, Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
http://lufkinced.com/


John M. Gamble wrote:
I keep seeing in catalogues reassurances that David Austin roses are
tough plants and don't require pampering.

But I remain sceptical about how successful a plant bred in England
can be in, oh just for example, a city built on the edge of the
prairie in the U.S. midwest, where hot and dry days are common.

I live in Chicago. Yes, I know how to use a sprinkler, but
that's not the same as living in England's green and pleasant land.

Does anyone have any experience with these plants in these conditions?



----== Posted via Pronews.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.pronews.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups
---= - Total Privacy via Encryption =---