Amy -- The roses at Otto & Sons will be budded. That should be fine for our part of the world. (I'm over in Camarillo.) If it comes to that, I personally prefer own-root roses, and no longer have many budded ones. But if the rose I wanted was available only as a budded plant, I would not avoid it. FRAGRANCE: Fragrance is a funny thing. It's very individual -- one person's fragrant rose is another's "I can't smell that." For that matter, one person's deliriously wonderful fragrance is another's ICK! So I would recommend a visit to a nursery or two to "smell the roses," and see what your husband likes. (I, personally, cannot smell 'Don Juan.') Otto & Sons is a good place to do that, because they have a wide selection of roses -- and not all nurseries do, these days. Visit them on line, to see what they offer, these days. The whole Klittich family -- NICE folks. Here is a link that might be useful: Otto & Sons Nursery

Hi Barbara, you're very welcome here but most of us are in colder zones than you. I have heard of Dublin Bay but don't know anyone who grows it. You might get more help if you post on the New England board.

I have 3 Dublin Bay climbers. This winter was brutal in our area (NY) and I had to cut them low. Now they are starting from 2 feet tall with no buds yet. Yours is simply beautiful. Back to the OP question: a uniform look will require some heavy pruning. I wouldn't do it.

*edited* perhaps not as settled as I thought. Any ideas?