A truly stellar Tea here in coastal So Cal. At 2.5 years old (first year in a big pot and 1.5 years in her permanent spot) she is 6 feet wide and 5 feet tall.

This post was edited by leezen4u on Tue, Sep 23, 14 at 10:28

That settles it. Mine must be growing in horrible soil. Not even half that size in about the same time.

Rosefolly

It's a WONDERFUL thing, here in my area. Almost always bountifully in bloom.

Jeri

Beautiful pictures, leezen. I've always been lukewarm about this rose but your first picture alone makes me wonder why.

rosefolly, I think I'm in the same situation as you. My tea roses are puny compared to what I've seen and read about from other posters. Even the supposedly gigantic Mrs. B.R. Cant is a wimp in my garden after five years in the ground. So frustrating!

Ingrid

Another M Berkeley shot from today.

For me the secret has been alfalfa pellets from the feed store. Many more basals and bigger stronger canes because of it.

Ingrid .'. In your hotter conditions, M.B. may be more harshly-colored, and blooms may commonly be Mini-sized.

Jeri

Thanks, Jeri, for bringing me back down to earth. I'll just moon over these pictures instead.

Ingrid

YAH. Hate to see people disappointed.

How does this rose do in the Southeast U.S.? I'm 6b/7a and hot humid summers mean plenty of summer days in the 90s--although statistically the "average high temp in August" is 89. I've got a northeastern facing wall--sunshine from dawn until about 1pm. Thoughts?

MB can look messy when it is too hot.... Jeri is right about that

I have no idea what "too hot" is.

I bought it (from ARE), so I guess we'll find out. lol

Subk, I have Mme Berkley and she is much more apricot here in the summer. But the spring and fall are similar to the blooms posted. I have her in a hot spot, so in your conditions she might give you more pink.
A great rose here too. No disease!
Susan

Wow! Your rose pics are gorgeous. Love the peachy pinky apricot. Love love love!!!! Judy