Hi - I got this one from Ashdown not last spring but the spring before. Its been a bit of a slow starter, but is a real beauty. For me, it has not bloomed a lot yet, but then I always assume a climber will need a few years to show its stuff. However, in that it has not shown super-fast development, I'd hesitate to try it in shade. I'm in zone 6, where its perfectly hardy - couldn't say about zone 5. Since its not the most well-known of roses, why don't you try emailing Paul Zimmerman (formerly of Ashdown) and asking his advice?

Good luck!

Or, I can just chip in here!

It took a good three years before I started seeing good repeat bloom, but when it settled in, it did nicely. For us a big long spring bloom, a bit of a break in the heat of our summer and a good fall bloom. I think it could take zone 5 as I know it does well in Germany. I've never grown it in shade but I'd lean towards Frances' thoughts on that.

It is a lovely rose and very trainable if you are willing to be patient.

Paul

Thanks so much for the response, I'm willing to be flexible , perhaps Veilchenblau would work better here. If only I lived i little further south!
roseberri