Roses in Hot Climates

We had 118 F last summer with one month over 100 F and 15 F this winter and one month below 32 F.
 
My Cecile Brunners (two) have almost covered my 8 foot high arbor in two years (were from 5 gallon pots) and although it blooms only once, it was spectacular when in bloom.  Here is a link to my Cecile Brunners:  http://www.springvillelavendergardens.com/gardens_roses.html  I let them go the first two years and then I pruned them quite a bit this winter especially the lower portions to encourage a lot of growth over the top of the arbor.
 
Bill as you mentioned, some of my hybrid teas planted along the fence with pavement adjacent probably should have been disbudded this past summer due to our severe heat wave.  The hybrid teas were here when I moved in and they put on a spectacular display in May but then suffer through the summer.  They usually put on another very good display in the fall, but this past summer was too much for them, so they limped along till winter.
 
I planted own root climbing Devoniensis, Madam Alfred Carriere, Pink Perpetue, Climbing, and Richmond, Climbing, early last summer.  Each had a couple of blooms late last season.  All four made it through last summer and this winter.  Can't wait to see how they do this season.
 
I also have Angel Face climbing which is vigorous with lots of blooms but the blooms fade in the hot sun unfortunately it faces west - I should have planted it somewhere with morning sun and I am sure it would do much better.
 
A Fresno nursery has Sally Holmes which I would like to add - it was spectacular covering a very long trellis adjacent their parking lot.  I have heard others recommend this one too and I have also heard it needs a lot of pruning to keep it in check.
 
I use ground cover cloth and bark mulch for all my roses to help retain moisture and keep the ground from scorching too much.  I also think it helps in the winter during cold snaps.
 
Linda Starr
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