RUGOSA ROSES 

For me there are three distinct groups of Rugosas, and when I talk about disease-proof, I refer only to the first of these groups, and please, if your experience is different, believe me that this is my experience in Melbourne, Australia.

FIRST GROUP: (rugose foliage, totally disease proof): R. rugosa, R. rugosa alba, Belle Poitevine, Blanc Double de Coubert, Delicata, Frau Dagmar Hartopp, Jens Munk, Max Graf, Nyveldt's White, R.x paulii, Roseraie de l'Hay, Rugspin, Sarah Van Fleet, Scabrosa, Schneezwerg.

SECOND GROUP: (rugose foliage, but second class.  Rust prone): Agnes, the Grootendorsts, Fimbriata, Lady Curzon, Martin Frobisher, Mme. Georges Bruant, R.x micrugosa, Schneelicht, Souvenir de Philemon Cochet.

THIRD GROUP: (non-rugose foliage, disease prone): Conrad Ferdinand Meyer, Mrs. Anthony Waterer, Nova Zembla, Rose a Parfum de l'Hay, Ruskin, Vanguard (blackspot magnet).

Given ideal conditions for growing, perhaps I am wrong to belittle some of these second and third groups, and they may perform better for some, but given some neglect, this is how I rate them. 

The blooms on all are fabulous, what better red than Mrs. Anthony Waterer; just a bit rust-prone.  Those of the first group are the most handsome of rose plants.