Big help! Your conditions sound like mine. Let me think on it. :-) Tell me about the area where your pillar is. Will you have to walk very close to it??? Will prickles be a problem? I'm wondering if you have access to the Tea/Noisette, 'Reve d'Or'? Or, perhaps, 'Lamarque'??? The Tea Noisettes, I think, should like your climate, and they are limber. But if they look to be too big for you, consider a climging Miniature, such as 'Jeanne la Joie.' Here is a link that might be useful: 'Jeanne la Joie' on HelpMeFind.

Gravetye Beauty is the only one on your list that I have and it, along with Princess Dianna and Etoile Rose, can be mildew magnets in my garden. Using a Neem based fungicide has helped with the issue this summer however. Gravetye Beauty in my garden is more of a burgundy colored clematis to my eyes anyway. For reddish colored clematis that do well in my garden, I would recommend either Madame Julia Correvon, Kermesina or even Avant Garde. If you can get a good red clone of the texensis I have, I would also recommend it. Texensis Avant Garde Madame Julia Correvon A collage of various reddish clematis from left to right are Abundance, Kermesina and Madame Julia Correvon.

I have grown/grow all the ones mentioned here except Desmond tutu and Kardinal. My fave: Valentine, my least fave and don't miss: Europeana b/c of wicked thorns but definitely a sturdy, low maint. Easy red rose. I live in humid Houston and my success is based on planting in the absolute dryest areas of my garden. When a rose displayed BS in the first season they were planted, it usually meant they were being hit too often by sprinkler (in additional to humidity) and declined quickly despite BS potions. I learned to yank them out the minute they displayed BS as it was a losing battle for me and given the amount of time I wanted to devote to them (not much) Of the ones mentioned above by various posters, non exhibited BS.

The Rugosas sucker on their own roots, don't they? Roots spread out & throw up new canes in an ever-expanding patch over time. Might want to find a grafted one if this wouldn't work in your space. Thorniest rose I grow is Aloha Hawaii, a shortish climber whose main canes are literally studded with thick long sharp thorns. Can be grown as a stocky shrub with pruning or allowed to frame the window for a double deterrent. Blooming laterals not as bad as the main canes, but no one could wade through it without a suit of armor. Fragrant double blooms in a range of sunset hues that repeat well & often from early to late here. Lovely fat hips if not deadheaded. HelpMeFind says occasional bloom after the first flush, but Member Ratings average out to Good- from 11 feedback reports. Bloom frequency increased with age here to 4-5 flushes at 4 years old. Nippstress grows this in zone 5b Nebraska. http://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.39802.4&tab=1  Keep in mind that it would be a barrier if you ever needed to exit through that window, though. Sue