Maybe Garden Party is not great for the West Coast because of the mildew problem there. Elsewhere it is a generous bloomer in hot weather, with fewer but very large, full flowers coming in fall. Its hardiness is a plus in the East and Midwest, especially since many other whites are so tender. The plant is nicely full and bushy. Still an outstanding rose.

Thanks Windeaux, so it is. I had done a search on Vintage and came up with nothing, but just now found it by going down the list. It's listed under "Hybrid Teas - Custom Root". Thank you also for linking the thread on the discussion of "St. Helena Cemetery Very Double HT". I was going to say that it answers my original question, that is IF "Arcadia Louisiana Tea" is the same rose. Evidently Vintage doesn't think they are the same as he still lists both roses separately. Also describes their bush sizes as different. However, "Arcadia Louisiana Tea" is certainly close to the rose I have, especially if you allow for differences in climate. Plus roses can 'morph', so to speak. For instance, the Prairie Sunrise I got from Sam Kedem years ago has many more petals and tends to quarter where the specimen from Chamblees does not. All in all I'm very glad to get this much information. Thank you all so much! "St. Helena Cemetery Very Double HT" on HMF: http://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.58345&tab=36 Here is a link that might be useful: Arcadia Louisiana Tea on HMF

Rather than mounding, mulch them. Mulch is placed over the roots but not touching the main stem (trunk). Rhododendrons and azaleas have a fine, hair-like root system that grows outward on the top 2-3 inches of soil. Since the roots are so shallow, any cultivating or pulling roots out will disturb the roots. They like moist, but well drained soil with lots of organic matter and a good dressing of mulch. Soil around the rhododendron's shallow roots must be kept cool. To keep the soil weed free, cool and moist, mulch it with a 2-3 inch layer of an airy organic material such as shredded leaves, leaf mold, pine needles, or pine bark mulch. Don't use shredded hardwood mulch since it often drives the pH upward. Pine bark is especially useful since it can lower the pH where it is too high, but it is best used on relatively flat ground since it's light in weight and tends to float away in heavy rain. [Sketch courtesy of Harold Greer] Rhododendrons do best when they have about a 2" to 3" layer of mulch to hold in moisture, prevent weeds, and keep the roots cool. Since most mulches are organic, they need to be topped off periodically, usually about every year or two. Do not make the mulch over 3" thick. Keep the mulch about 2" to 3" back from the trunk/stem of the plants to avoid bark split, collar rot, and rodent damage. It is best to mulch with a 2-3 inch layer of an airy organic material such as conifer wood chips, ground bark, pine needles, pine bark or rotted oak leaves. A year-round mulch will also provide natural nutrients and will help keep the soil cool and moist.

Try this WEBsite. Here is a link that might be useful: Service Magic