It's been a few years since I grew Joseph's Coat (it was great!), but I seem to recall it had moderately stiff canes. I grew mine against a fence, which was easier. But it should be able to grow on an arbor, too. The thing to do with climbers it to tie the canes against their support when they're brand new; that's when they're most pliable. Remember, too, that climbers bloom more from canes that are horizontal, so expect to see more blooms once the plant has reached the top of the arbor. If it's happy where it's planted, that should be by the second season.

As for the cutting back question, this isn't universal, but MOST climbers bloom primarily on laterals growing from 2nd year canes, so the first year you see only a few blooms from the end of new canes. The way to prune for a more vibrant climber is to cut out older woody canes and leave long canes that have grown the past season. That way the plant's energy can focus on the "productive" canes. So think "thinning" rather than "shortening" when pruning a climber. I hope that's helpful.

Mike

I have this rose and as I note in the post linked to below this summer it really showed its stuff. To the point that my canes finally became long enough to start really stretching and flopping. For the moment I have it supported on a tomato cage and will probably move it next year to an 8 x 4 foot trellis. Basically so the canes can grow sideways and upwards for (hopefully!) maximum bloom production.

I think an arbor would work also. As Mike noted the canes are quite manageable when they are young. I hope this rose does well for you, it is a beauty.

Kate

Here is a link that might be useful: Best support for Joseph's Coat?

Thanks for the suggestions.Do you think it's better to put a plant on each side and let them meet in the middle? I have an arbor with New Dawn planted on each side. It's going on the 3rd year and it's just now getting some growth all across the top. I've read it's a prolific bloomer but so far mine just hasn't performed that well. Maybe I need to fertilize? Any suggestions? Thanks again