Crepuscule is your guy if you live in Birmingham. I live in the tornado-ravaged central part of the state and even in my devastated neighborhood, Crepuscule standing tall without a twig missing, larger than life against Georgia clay brick and moss green trim. No thorns, an added bonuses and repeats more frequently than LaM. If you have ever been to the Shakespeare Festival and have seen that white monster rose, and you think that's for you, the La Marque is your gal/guy.

Most roses have thorns, it's a fact. With some care you can avoid getting poked...too much. But you will get scratched eventually. I don't base my rose choices on their thorns but rather on their blooms, health and hardiness. There are some roses that are thornless but that narrows your choices dramatically. Hi dainty! We are neighbors! I'll send you the details on the societies too. If you are interested the Great Lakes District Spring Conference is this Saturday, March 17th at the Troy Quality Inn at I-75 and Rochester Rd. and there's still time to register! We have a full day of great rose programs and a nice luncheon planned for $35.00! Earth Song or most any of the Buck roses would be a good choice, Michael. The Bucks do very well here and are healthier than a lot of other types. Besides that they're lovely!

Just from experience, Austin climbers, Canadian explorers, and Kordes roses will do really well. I agree, a red, yellow, or fuschia colored climber would look nice. What aspect does it face- full sun/part? I have Zephirine and it is cane hardy for the most part- uncovered in the SW suburbs. Late frosts have set the plant back, since this is the front of the house (I think) - I would get something that grows fast and blooms a lot! A rose with a clematis might be nice too - to extend bloom!

Hi Yes you should start to train and tie the canes to the trellis. I use the green plant ties that you buy in a roll. I would recommend watching the "Roses are Plants Too" videos for training climbers and roses on a trellis. Remember to zig-zag the canes up the trellis for max blooms. I have added the link to the videos. They really helped me. There is an entire series of videos and all are great. Good Luck. Here is a link that might be useful: Roses are Plants Too - Training on a Trellis