Abraham Darby in the Heat

Abraham Darby changes colors at different times of the year.  Still, it always has a peachy undertone even in the summer when more pink is prevalent. 

In this heat of summer, the blooms are full and fragrant.  I attribute the size of the blooms to the fact that we've been getting lots of rain again over the last month or so.  I think this is a rose that wants plenty of water, just as it's sister Golden Celebration does.  I'm beginning to really believe this is a key to all the David Austin roses. 

Nevertheless, my main gripe about these roses is blackspot.  They are very prone to this disease and at least 50% of this plant is defoliated and yellow.  You don't see it in these pictures because I don't photograph that part of the plant.  It's a vigorous enough grower to overcome the loss of it's leaves and still thrive.  I may start spraying fungicide on my David Austins next year just because I'm tired of them looking bad through the summer.  They are not good candidates for a no-spray garden in my area, but the blooms make it impossible for me to resist planting them!