Correction: Carefree Sunshine is NOT a David Austin rose. It is a Radler rose. Nevertheless, it is a tough one. I wouldn't worry about the zone being marked 6-8. Don't think it would be any problem for you. Usually the zones are of more concern in terms of how much cold they can withstand.

If you want another lighter colored, very disease-resistant rose, try Easter Basket. I think it has much prettier blooms, and I love the blended colors and how they often change. It might only get 3-4 ft tall, however, so maybe that would not work for you.

Kate

Here is a link that might be useful: Easter Basket at Helpmefind

Not relevant to the original poster's situation, but CS has been reported cane-hardy in parts of zone 5, and heat-tolerant in Alabama.

Thanks so much, Kate - I do like the blooms on Easter Basket much more. I wonder how it does with rust - most of my modern roses get rust out here, but none of the old ones do. I don't think the rest of the country has this problem - no idea why.

Jackie

Away from the immediate Pacific Coast, rose rust is limited by warm summer temperatures, which it does not tolerate.

Jackie,
I can't help you for your area - but can only add that CS is a great rose. Extremely floriferous, and with some insouciant deadheading (best done with a glass of wine in one hand) will bloom like few others. Cold hardy (to z5) and large. As always, YMMV.

I've been looking at Easter Basket, Kate. Glad to hear it's got good resistance for you. I may give it a try myself.

Carefree Sunshine was the first rose to open for me this spring (yesterday, that is), and it may be the first to repeat as well.

There was a magnificent specimen at Descanso, last I was there. Huge and beautiful and covered with flowers.