No, it needs to make more shoots from the base, which should come soon if it has enough water and nutrients to grow. Normal-size climbers like 'Compassion' are best grown on a trellis 12-16' wide so you can fan the canes out.

The new canes from the top of the graft (called basal breaks) will push their way through the soil. There will also be new growth from the sides of the existing canes. Take a look at the canes, you will see little bud eyes along the sides. That's where your first new canes will appear. Don't worry. Bury the graft, or you won't have any rose canes at all, they will all die off. It will take a couple of years before the basal breaks appear, but you will get enough new growth from the existing canes. Here is a link that might be useful: Anatomy of a Bare Root Rose

Beth, I'm sorry to say, but it sounds like they are dead. The thorniness of the canes means nothing, but the darkness does. If you cut into them, you will see brown instead of a green rim with a white center. But check the bases of the plants, you may have some good growth there. If you do, cut away all the dead stuff. I wish I could tell you why the one Zephirine is doing well and the others didn't. Was the ground different there? Was it moister or drier in that spot during the winter? Did it have more protection from extra mulch or a building? You'll have to figure it out. When the forsythias bloom is when it is time to trim roses and they really start to grow at the point so you know for next year. I do hope you don't give up on roses. And next time post onthe regular or antique rose forum, you'll get way more responses and quickly too: ) Remy Here is a link that might be useful: Roses for the North

Christopher, It looks like a lot of dead canes and a few still alive canes. I do not know who told you to cut back live growth but they told you the wrong thing. I am not sure with all the dead canes these roses will ever make you happy - at least not anytime soon. TO buy list: You will need good quality bareroot roses - don't buy the cheapest but there are some good quality bareroot roses out ther - they should have 3 strong canes and look greenish-brown. Good quality compost slow release granular fertilizer mulch such as wood chips, rice hulls. shredded wood In southern California the time to plant bareroot roses (those roses in bags) is December to February - earlier is usually better. The roses should be taken from the bag soaked in a bucket for a few hours to 12 hours. Now comes the most important thing - how you prepare the soil you plant the roses in - this is where you spend your time and money. Did a hole at least 2.5' deep for each rose and 2 feet wide. Buy a bag of high quality compost (if you do not make your own). Mix it with the soil that you dug out of the hole -thoroughly. You should plan on mixing the compost as 1/4 to 1/3 of the soil you make You could also mix a slow release fertilizer in with this soil but just a small handful and make sure it is the kind that last 3 months. Now the roses. Take them out of the bucket and cut off 3-4 inches of each cane. Add mixed soil & compost back into the hole to a level where the graft (that big knot on the rose is 2 inches above the soil line when you place it in the hole. Put the rose in the hole and spread the rots out like a fan. Gently add the rest of the soil mixture back into the hole and lightly tamp it down - but don't make it highery to the ground level. You will have excess soil - use it to form a moat around the hole and pack it down. Now in the center of the moat place the mulch material - form a volcano shape around the rose bush. With a garden hose gently water the roses in very well. I don't think you will need to water them every day probably every three days or so . To check put your finger down into the soil and when it feels dry 2-3 inches down water the rose thoroughly. In a few week the eyes will begin to break and push branches - let these grow - this is what makes energy for your plant. About your site - it might be a bit shady - roses like sun. If you are determined to have roses this year -go out and buy some nice roses in containers. The directions for the hole are the same but you place the rose with the soil it is planted in so that it is level with the ground. If you buy really big containers you will need a bigger hole - the hole should be 1 foot deeper and at least 1/2 foot wider than the container the rose is in. Mulch is still a good idea as it maintains the moisture around your rose and in California it is good to conserve water. I wish you luck and I hope you have many years enjoying your roses.