Don Juan Climbing Rose

First off, I am near Tampa, FL in zone 9b. In recent years with global climate change now a reality, I must say that the West side of my property is literally Hell on plants. Most everything plain burns to a crisp no matter the watering schedule. Out of 40+ rose bushes in my yard Don Juan is THE most beautiful, most fragrant, largest blooms (over 5 inches consistently), largest climber and requires little of my time. The only down side to this rose is that in spite of all the sunlight and heat, blackspot can leave the whole lower half of the 14' plant completely bare and bald of all leaves! I have sprayed and done all I can to be rid of blackspot but... No cigar! I have come to accept it's "nekkid" lower half simply because the rest of the plant is drop dead gorgeous! It literally stops traffic.

When I was researching this rose, I'd read it could be tricky and to give it plenty of time to bloom. I planted the bare roots in a container on my sunny deck (Zone 7) not expecting much. Well, this little beauty is thriving, always showing new growth and offering constant blooms. Watch out for Japanese Beetles, they'll eat this one alive.

A hearty, flourishing climbing rose that has already outgrown the trellis this year. LOVE the velvet-like texture of the petals and the thick layers of the bloom. Smells delicious! My favorite rose in my garden

Our two little Don Juan roses arrived after a long trip across the continent looking rather sad, but they were still moist. After trimming off the dead leaves and planting them, we worried that they wouldn't make it, but we were rewarded with healthy new growth on multiple little stems in about 10 days. It is amazing to me that these little plants are so hardy and ready to grow. We can see that they are indeed on their way to being the large climber we want.

My aunt bought some roses from this company and they were beautiful! I came home and ordered 6 and can't wait to receive them.