I did an experiment in my own garden, where our soil runs a slightly alkaline 7.3 PH. I planted a rose I knew to be on multiflora (Tiffany)in my partially amended clay soil next to a rose that was on Dr. Huey. From the first year the multiflora grafted rose displayed mild to moderate chlorosis, while my known Dr. Huey grafted rose had none. Whether or not this Chlorotic condition weakened the rose I do not know, but after only 3 years it finally gave up the ghost and died after one of our erratic winters....I've often wondered if own root roses will do much better in Alkaline soil. I've read so often that roses generally prefer a PH in the 6.5 to 6.8 range. I'm assuming that when this fact was established the roses used were own root not grafted. Perhaps someone can explain why own root roses then would work in alkaline soil given their affinity for acidity......Maryl

The reason for the high graft is to prevent own-rooting in Florida where the southern root-knot nematode kills most rose roots, but not Fortuniana. (Incidentally it is convenient for the budder.) This nematode is not a problem outside of Florida and other southern coastal areas. Incidentally, the Fortuniana shank and crown may be more winter-tender than the typical scion graft, but reports differ,

Susan: Here's a link to a video tour of a private rose garden in Hendersonville, TN (zat anywhere near you?). In the latter part of the video, there's an interesting discussion of rootstocks, along with views of roses growing on Fortuniana. Note that those impressive plants on Fortuniana have visible stakes -- necessary because Fortuniana's shallow root system doesn't always provide stabilization enough to support those towering bushes with super-sized foliage and flowers (especially if you live where forceful winds are common). If you don't mind investing the extra attention and work, though, roses grown on Fortuniana return obvious dividends. Enjoy the show . . . Here is a link that might be useful: A Tennessee Rose Garden

Hi! Yes, that's what I figured. But, I have purchased some from CR (peat pots to be removed) on good 'ol Dr. Huey (ah, the memories from CA). They are already sprouting, amazingly. I use only organic goodies (planted with a mix of blood, bone, a tiny bit of alfalfa meal so as not to burn), plus I put micorrhizae tablets in the soil for all my plants, rose or otherwise. So, we shall see. Digging those holes here was MURRRRDERRR. lol :) I got: Julia Child, Rainbow Sorbet, Cinco De Mayo, Easy Does it, Just Dreamy, Strike It Rich, and Tahitian Sunset. What do you think of these? I had 94 plants in CA, but none of these. I will definitely check out K&M and do my darndest to visit you at the Mesa rose sale. Thank you!! Liebling