I live in Monroe and did not have success with BD- every single bloom balled and failed to open. My favorites are the Chinas, Bourbons, old fashioned teas and a few random others. Blooming their heads off now are Archduke Charles, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Graham Thomas, Marechal Niel,
Safrano and Mrs. B. R. Cant. My other best is Carefree Beauty which is about to be in full bloom. Zephirine Drouhin and Abe Darby are full of buds. I buy from Chamblee's, ARE, and Vintage.

Thanks buffington. I'm sorry you didn't have luck with Belinda's Dream. It was a real work horse in my old garden. The only problem I had was thrips invading the first spring flush causing them not to open.

I'm interested in Souvenier de la Malmaison and I'll have to look up some of the others you suggested. I will need smaller varieties. I love the ones with huge cabbagy blooms with fragrance.