this rose is very healthy in my garden (Switzerland) I do not prune that much in order to have a big bush. New grows are coming out from the ground and it looks not prone to black spot. In my zone; if you pruned to heavily, long strong and heavy canes will grow and not many flowers will appear. It is a very reliable bush and not at all arching but also very floriferous plant. So if you are in the same zone of mine, 8, try to build the structure of the plant and you will have a lot of leaves, starting with dark red leaves and many many flowers. This is one of the easiest Austin roses to grow and with little care (I've never treated mine since 3 years) will give you a lot of success and its parfum is just incredible. The colour is a very classic rose, pretty big but very remontant if deadheading. It is not a plant to be considered as a special add in your garden because of the colour but it will give you a lot pleasure and big, very perfumed roses in your garden. I would say, it is a very reliable candidate for the backside of your collection. It is very easy to grow and do not ball during wet periods, a "must have" in all gardens.