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.

I planted this 1-gal potted rose on May 28, 2024 and by winter is grew to nearly 8' tall (I am 6'2" and its highest point was just out of my reach). Easily the most vigorous of some 30 new plantings that year. It was self-supporting throughout the season. An incredible plant. We had significant die back over the winter, but that was largely universal (we are Z5 but his -23 this past January). Every rose, including this one, have jumped back up from the ground though, and so fair Golden FT looks as vigorous as last year.