I grow both and absolutely adore both. Indeed, they are very similar. I think of Bride's Dream as being a little lighter in color than Royal Highness, with a bit less pink (not much less). In my garden I see fewer pointed petals on Bride's Dream than on RH. I think I could tell them apart, but can't guarantee it.

I grow this one in Columbus, OH 6a with long cold winters and short, really hot and humid summers and it does very, very well. Lavender roses have come a long way and most releases since maybe 1990 on are absolutely much stronger than prior varieties. Fragrant Plum and Barbra Steisand, Neptune, Nicole Carole Miller, World War II Memorial Rose, Natasha Monet, Sweetness, Melody Perfume............have grown them all and all are excellent as measured against their ancestors. l actually put Neptune at the TOP of the list because I like a full, formal bloom (and of course SCENT). This one's bush, for me, tends to be along thew lines of the exhibiton sorts, with longer spells in between blooms but the blooms themselves are simply huge and often really well formed. It is in the BETTER 50% of my roses for any blackspot (the hot/humid bug-a-boo) and is healthier than First Prize, Royal Highness or Peace here, although not immune. Mildew resistance is GREAT as this one got NONE and mildew was a huge problem in Central Ohio last summer ('11). If this one has caught your eye, TRY IT.............solid-to-excellent here in Columbus............

Cane dieback is apparently pretty common with this rose and I certainly haven't mastered how to stop the canes on my bush dying back. It's really disappointing, as they are very strong canes, but the good thing is that many new ones come up in their place, at least on my bush. I've just had the spring flush and some of the older canes are dying back, but at least 4 new strong canes are coming up from the base, or an inch or two above it. If your climate is not suited to it, though, I don't expect it will do well or even survive, unfortunately. Hope it's going better now!