L.K. Scott from CA wrote on August 23, 2016
This is one of the slowest growing rose bush I've ever planted, but the deep green, almost bluish foliage with maroon new growth is just as striking as the velvety crimson rose blooms. Because it is such a slow grower, the blooms are infrequent for the first few years. This year I only had one wave of blooms that had only five roses, but will likely have at least one more wave before the growing season ends. I have one of my Don Juan's growing on my patio in a large pot in full, direct sunlight from dawn till dusk and it seems to thrive in the heat, sun, and doesn't seem to mind the 3-foot-wide pot it's growing in. Don Juan is susceptible to aphids, mites, black spot, and several other diseases and infestations. In order to keep mine healthy, I trim away all yellowing leaves, I let the soil dry out completely, keep it dry for about three days, and then I re-water it. Once every three months I spray with a Neem Oil and water concoction in the evening to fight pests and diseases. Do not use the Neem Oil on the blooms because the delicate petals will die. Don Juan is extremely drought tolerant. I live in the inland desert of California where water is almost non-existent, very expensive, and rainfall happens for only two weeks out of the entire year. The Don Juan roses seem to love it. I give Don Juan roses a 4 of 5 stars because it's hardiness, fragrance, the unusual color of foliage and blooms, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and low maintenance are good things, the negatives is that for such a slow growing rose bush, the blooms are rather small and infrequent this first year. According to my local rose enthusiasts, it's not expected to ever-bloom prolifically until it's third year. Considering it all, Don Juan is my second favorite rose bush, my first being Black Magic Hybrid Tea.
