I have not seen the "octopus" behavior here, but was a long time to establish (own root) as many of the older Austins I ordered years ago. Still, one worth growing and giving a chance for the color and rebloom. Reminds me of Abe, only smaller flowers and can be clusters. Colors can vary according to the weather..much the same.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:225588}}

It finally sort of "wore out," a common fate, here, for roses on multiflora rootstock.
HOWEVER, in its healthy days, this was one of my favorite Austin roses.
I don't know what it does in England, but in coastal SoCal, 'Emanuel' was a constant bloomer, and disease-free.
The plant was a generous, arching shrub, with no octopus tendencies.
The blooms were very much like those of 'Evelyn,' and in the same color range, tho a bit smaller. The fragrance was strong and sweet, tho not as strong as that of 'Evelyn.'
But 'Emanuel' was a far superior rose in almost all respects, in my climate.
This is a worthy rose, that's never gotten the attention it should.

Jeri

I am convinced - I am getting it. I adore Evelyn and Emanuel sounds like it would certainly be worth a try. I am getting an order up for Pickering - and an going to include this one. I am in east Texas - would it do better in all day sun or should it be given some afternoon shade?
Thanks!
Judith

It's a lovely rose, doesn't get too big here. I would give it some afternoon shade because the foliage is a little sparse and some shade would protect the canes from sunburn. 6 hrs of sun should be enough.

*** Yeah, Barb -- There's nothing at all wrong with Dr. Huey as a rootstock (particularly in the sort of alkalinity you and I share). The problem has been with VIRUSED Dr. Huey. :-(

I think that, where I am, Fortuniana would also do very well, and so probably would Ragged Robin (though it seems a pity to waste either as rootstock).

What you describe is pretty much what happened here after several years. I think I'm better off with own-root plants, rather than Multiflora.

Jeri

It's interesting what Jeri says about the Multiflora rootstock. Nearly all of my Austins in central North Carolina were grafted on Dr Huey and were incredibly vigorous and floriferous. Later on I added a few own roots and a few on Multiflora exclusively sold by Pickering. All of those stayed smaller (the own root Austins did not bloom as well), but I moved a couple of years or so after I planted them, so I can't attest to any long-term performance comparison.

Here in the UK and in Europe, I think Multiflora is arguably the most common rootstock, and I haven't read anything about early decline. But I think it may still be worth checking whether this is just a fluke or a regional problem or a general one. Will get back to you about this one.

Re. Emanuel, I just saw that DA has indeed dropped it even from his UK catalogue (I think he still sold it a year or two ago). I think he considered it to be his most beautiful rose if it weren't for its pronounced tendency to blackspot. Pity.

Andrea

> It's interesting what Jeri says
> about the Multiflora rootstock.

*** But please remember.
My observations relate ONLY to the conditions under which I garden.
And my conditions have NOTHING in common with either North Carolina or any part of the UK.

Jeri