Most climbers, yes, must be tied to a trellis. Many of the old rambler types will, yes, climb TREES, for instance, on their own. But most of these are once-blooming, spring-blooming -- such as the banksiaes. (White and Yellow "Lady Banks" roses). If you want a very remontant rose, I suggest you talk to the folks at Antique Rose Emporium, re. the best selection for your part of TX. (If there is a state with almost as much climactic variety as California, it would be TX.) Not knowing whether you are in El Paso, Amarillo, Fort Stockton, Austin, or Houston, I advise you to get local advice. Jeri in SoCal

First -- I don't know how well Cl. Cecile Brunner does in your area -- but I do know that it is a once-bloomer, and that might not be what you want. In a similar vein, there is Ralph Moore's 'Renae,' which repeats through the season. The link below will take you to information on it. You may be at the edge of its hardiness range. Those who are closer to your area can better advise. As York says, most of the roses that would be recommended for your situation won't show up at a local nursery, or Lowe's, or Home Depot. But on the Renae page I've directed you to, you can click (top right) on a Buy From tab. That will give you three good mail order sources: Rogue Valley Roses Burlington Rose Nursery Vintage Gardens Rose Nursery Any mail order plants will be much smaller than the big hulking things you're used to in most nurseries. But the roses should be healthier in the long haul. Jeri in Coastal Southern California. Here is a link that might be useful: Renae

I grew Blaze in another time and place. It never managed to get above 2 ft tall. The state of the art red climber currently is Quadra. Absolutely indestructible in this climate. If you want a repeat blooming climber, for the most part you are looking at Canadian Explorer roses. ANYTHING else is suspect.

I don't know if you'll find all three of your requirements. Especially for zone 4. Cane hardiness would be the most important for you in your zone in my opinion. I googled ''winter hardy (cane hardy) climbing roses'' a thread from the northern gardening forum popped up, perhaps you should check that out it might be of some help to you. I grow John Cabot very hardy for me in Zone 5. Helpmefind.com says it is hardy to Zone 2b. It does repeat for me now that its well established,(10yrs.) but no fragrance......mark bottom pic on the left john cabot