I've had good experiences with ARS in the past, so I wasn't concerned about ordering 2 roses as a special gift last month. Both roses arrived well-packaged & in a timely manner. They were cut back for shipping; one rose ("Odee Pink") bounced right back & is flourishing, according to the gift recipient, however she never saw signs of life from the other rose. She planted both in similar conditions, but the second rose "Smith's Parish" is dead (& possibly was DOA).

If you order from ARS (or any other nursery), be sure you keep the plastic label, at least until you are sure the plant is thriving. Be prepared to send lots of quality photos if there is a problem. I won't ask the recipient to do what apparently is needed for a refund, but please learn from my situation. ARS has always been a good nursery & I'm sure they ask for all that documentation because people have tried to take advantage.

If you want to buy a rose as a gift, consider having the rose sent to you, and then present it in person once you're sure it's healthy. If the logistics work, this is probably a good idea, no matter which nursery you're buying from.

From the Rose Encyclopedia, ed Henslow, p. 309, 310..
The numerous successes gained by Messrs. D. Prior and Son, Ltd., whose nurseries are in the famous Colchester district, have suffice to make them one of the best-known firms of Rose growers in the country.
The business was founded in 1870 by the late Mr. David Prior. The beginnings were on quite a moderate scale, comprising about three and a half acres of freehold land on which he erected several greenhouses. By the end of 1880 this area was increased by the addition of another four acres; and eleven more incorporated in 1894, together with twelve acres of glebe land which was hired, this bringing up the total to over thirty acres. Even this did not avail for long, and in 1904 fifty acres were acquired at Great Horkesley, about three miles from the headquarters. Here are grown most of the roses, the soil being similar to that at Colchester, and particularly suited fror the cultivation of Roses, while its exposed position ensures their complete hardiness.
The late Mr. William D. Prior came into the business in 1875, and for many years was in partnership with his father. He was on the council of the National Rose Society for nearly twenty years, and also acted as judge at their exhibitions and at the leading Rose shows throughout England and Scotland for that period. In 1921 the concern was turned into a private company, with Mrs. A. Prior and Messrs. W. and A. F. Prior as directors.
The number of awards, so far, is over two thousand five hundred, and includes challenge cups, gold and silver medals, the National Rose Society's Challenge for seventy-two distinct blooms (this was in 1908, after being runners-up for five years in succession and 1919 and 1920), and many other prizes.
During the exhibiting season of 1919-1920 they won 24 out of 28 cups and trophies, including the Champion Trophy twice in succession, the King's Cup and the N.R.S. Jubilee Trophy, 17 silver medals for premier blooms, and 100 first prizes.