This is a really great rose. It only grows in short spurts but has defended itself admirably against insect damage during a very heavy aphid infestation this spring. The flowers are beautiful and last for a long time on the plant. I recommend it highly!

St. Swithin is disease resistant in zone 6B, Kentucky, without spraying fungicide. Very easy care. The blossoms are radiant with a light but sweet scent. Generous bloomer with old fashioned look.

While this rose may benefit from some shade in a relentlessly sunny clime, it did terribly with only Eastern exposure and afternoon shade from all sides in my Zone 6 loamy base clay. It is prone to BS here even in full sun, but it's tolerable. This rose is definitely better grown as a climber as its canes are lax. In any case, this allows the gorgeous, fragrant flowers to be seen up close. It was completely cane hardy at the limits of a Z6 winter with -7F for multiple nights and days in the single digits.

2023: Thought I would update after an unusually harsh winter. Same -7F temp, but relentless winds with windchill reaching at least -40F for a couple of nights at different times. It was killed to the ground, but I believe is making a come-back. Ill report later in the season.This was my experience with many formerly hardy roses so I would Not call him a wimp, just not a superhero.

Sidonie has fantastic winter survival in my zone 4 garden, needing no pruning this spring, and is covered in buds! Last year it had good repeat throughout the summer and fall even though it was a first year plant. It is sprawling wider than it is tall but is maintaining a tidy shape without throwing random long canes. The bloom form is adorable and the fragrance is exceptional. This is one of my favorite cold zone roses.