Ramblers pretty much by definition are once bloomers. They resemble lilacs or azaleas in that they only bloom once a year, but the show is quite amazing. They can also get big. 20 ft canes aren't out of the question. There is currently a thread about them in the Antique Rose forum, and yes, while not all those roses will grow here, I do know other varieties that can look like that here. The Explorer climbers repeat. Quadra and Captain Samuel Holland repeat well once established, and are extremely resistant to blackspot. Blackspot is another major rose issue around here. For example, Lavender Lassie blackspots badly, and requires regular spraying to do much of anything.

I don't know if I'm reading this right, but if the area is shaded by the apartment block to the south, a rose isn't going to do well there. Also, here in Winnipeg I wouldn't plant any marginal perennial next to an area that will have snow cleared. I realize Calgary doesn't have the extreme cold and also doesn't have the reliable snow cover, but here if you plant next to a driveway, the frost will track through the ground making a surprising difference. I also wanted to mention that Polstjarnan has no fragrance and you wouldn't want to plant it anywhere you'd walk past. It will reach out and grab you like that thing in the lake on Lord of the Rings. It dragged me off my riding lawn mower twice last year. It hurt less if I didn't struggle.

Hi Phoenix31: Krista (zone 5a New York) likes her Katherine Harrop rose, it's a Bourbon pink rose, almost thornless, see link: http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/pl.php?n=3592 If you want disease-resistant, Roses Unlimited is having 1/2 price sale, only $10 per gallon of roses. Harlekin (pink with red-edge) is hardy to zone 5a. But the sale is over soon, so you need to call them right away to get the 1/2 price sale. I see tons of Laguna (reddish purplish) Kordes rose at Meijers. VERY DISEASE resistant, but thorny and vigorous. I love my David Austin rose Crown Princess Magareta, but it's orange. Will post a pic. of that later. Tess of the d'uvervilles (David Austin Rose) is a red-climbing rose, very disease resistant.

About to suggest Viking Queen, but see you've already ordered it for an arbor. Believe it would be lovely on your balustrade. www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.6064.0&tab=1 Rosarium Uetersen aka Seminole Wind might be another pink climber to consider. www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.5462.3&tab=1 Both grow easily in this no spray hot & humid growing season garden just a zone higher than yours. For the reds, look into Fields of the Wood/Rhode Island Red www.helpmefind.com/rose/pl.php?n=5204&tab=1 and Illusion www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.3368.0&tab=1 I've not grown these, but others speak highly of both. When checking a rose on HelpMeFind, pay more attention to Member Ratings & Comments (including those with the Photos) than the Description page, since you'll often find a rose described as having "scattered later bloom" rated Excellent on that score by members. Your garden setting sounds enchanting. Welcome to the forums!