I am a landscape designer in Utah and Evelyn Roses would be my forever go to...If I could get them. Please consider growing more for the US inventory. They do spectacular in our hot, dry air.
I first bought this rose over 20 years ago, planted it in full sun in unimproved soil where it got little water. It bloomed for me for several years then died. My fault, not hers. I bought this rose again, put her in full sun, lovely soil, and now have an irrigation system in that area. The blooms have just opened and she is climbing beautifully. Crabtree and Evelyn made a perfume from the scent of this rose and each blossom smells like perfume. I’m in cold Zone 5b where we get some nasty winters and this rose seems to be doing quite well, although Austin roses in general are not as hardy as others in my garden. If Evelyn died again, I would replace her because of the beauty of the rose and the outstanding fragrance!
She starts off slowly, but once she takes hold, does a fine job of producing some of the most elegant, strongly scented blooms! The feel of each bloom is very substantial, as well. My favorite Austin rose!
I purchased Evelyn back in '95. Evelyn is my favorite rose. I live in Louisiana, zone 9. Evelyn blooms through November here :) I wish I could find Evelyn in stock!