In a similar zone, my beloved Mr. Lincoln passed away this winter, along with several others. I can't remember a year with so much winter damage.

This post was edited by mikeber on Wed, May 28, 14 at 17:27

I too have lost Mr. Lincoln. Thinking about trying for a different red now. Suggestions?? Pembroke

I have two reds I love. Oklahoma & Royalty.

I also live in Louisville and lost Mr. Lincoln. I grow many red roses and love Vetrans Honor, Firefighter and Alec`s Red as fragrant big bloom reds.For a fuller red bloom, Braveheart is hard to beat. Love that red rose.I worried so much about my roses after our winter. Lost about 20, had to cut all down to the soil and guess what? My roses are glorious this spring. Best ever! Yes, I lost some but the ones left are outstanding and I am thrilled. lesley

The only rose I lost was Chrysler Imperial. For a replacement, I bought a well-grown Oklahoma (dark red) from my local garden center a few blocks away. Not only is Oklahoma blooming beautifully, but it has the BIGGEST red blooms I've ever seen (well, Mr. Lincoln might be an exception--maybe). No disease problems yet with Oklahoma--lots of healthy leaves all the way down the cane. Has a couple buds that should open in the next few days--maybe I can get a photo in about a week.

Based on my limited experience with my new Oklahoma, I strongly recommend this hybrid tea.

Kate.

I could not agree more about Oklahoma....the size of those blooms astound me

I lost my Mr. Lincoln, too. SO sad. My JFK is borderline. Not a good winter for presidential roses.

I also lost Mr. Lincoln! Some of the others looked bad, but are coming back.

Lovely big red bloom! There's a reason some of these oldies are still around and that pic shows why!