Night Light: This poor little one did not do as well and might not make it through this winter. This was also a band from Heirloom and just never took off the way the others did. She had one little bloom this year and did put on some serious (for her) growth in the fall, but she it not looking so great right now, where as all the others are still looking perky.

Joseph's Coat: What a performer! Easily the most prolific in both bloom and growth. Another band from Heirloom, this one was vigorous from the start but really kicked it up growth wise in the fall. This plant has several canes now, with the tallest over 6 feet. I wasn't planning needed to actually train the roses to the fence yet because climbers can take so long to establish, but this one will need to be tacked horizontally, I think, this spring it's so long already. Lots of color variation in individual blooms, as well as during the lifespan of the bloom itself. This is husband's favorite and we'll probably add another for him.

This post was edited by AviaStar on Thu, Jan 9, 14 at 15:01

Royal Sunset: did very well! This one is tied with Talisman for my favorite this year, I could decide between the two. A band from RVR, she was larger than the Heirloom bands to start and put out much more growth and larger, more fully formed blooms, as well. Some color variation among blooms, lovely scent, nice vase life. This is another one that now has canes long enough to need the fence in the spring; they are between 5-6 feet tall.

Last one, Talisman: I love this one, too. Also a band from RVR, she was healthy and happy all year although not as vigorous in her growth as Royal Sunset. Large, well formed blooms, pretty scent.

All in all, I am very satisfied and pleased with the outcome! All, with the exception of little NightLight, had repeat blooms all through the summer. I'm getting my list together for what I want to add this year!

So glad to hear you are enjoying your roses, AviaStar! They're beautiful! I hope your Night Light improves. Sometimes a rose just needs a little longer time to get going so don't give up on it yet. It's a lovely yellow!

I'm really impressed by Talisman and Royal Sunset!! Never heard of these roses. They're gorgeous!!!
Well done!
Carol

Looks like you are doing a great job. Some nice roses, thank you for sharing.

My brothers and father also chose bright orange roses as favorites. Guy thing?

'Royal Sunset' gets better each year. The trunk (!) on mine is about 3" in diameter! The different shades as a flush matures is one of the best harmonious combinations I've seen. And the scent! My allergy laden nostrils can pick it up 6ft. away!

'Talisman' is confusing at HMF. Maybe it's the sport "Discovered by Dixie Rose Nursery (United States, 1932)". Picture color certainly vary. Will look forward to more of your pictures. It looks exceptionally pretty.

Thank you all for stopping by!

Seil: Thank you! I hope NL makes it, too. I'll see how she comes through the winter; we're getting *Plenty* of precipitation and I have no plans to shovel prune her until she flat out kicks the bucket!

Thank you, canadian_rose! They were both great plants their first year and the bands from RVR were large and healthy. I am really looking forward seeing how they take off in the next two years; both are supposed to get quite large and I gave them generous fence space to go as crazy as they want!

Thank you, Sara-Ann!

iris_gal: I think it must be a guy thing! DH loves the bright, bold colors and thinks the color changing phenomenon is really cool. I have to agree; I love the color changers, but I am more drawn to the softer blended color ways, myself. RVR sells the rose I have as 'Talisman, Cl', introduced in 1930, although it doesn't list any parent info, unfortunately.

Very lovely roses, AviaStar, and what a great start for a beginner. I look forward to seeing what roses you'll be buying in the future.

Ingrid

Thank you, ingrid! I'll be seeking the wisdom of the group again when I have narrowed down my list a little!