I think I read that kumquats need quite generous feeding during growing/ blossoming/ fruiting periods and consistent moisture (but good drainage) to do well - I expect you know all about that anyway. But I was thinking that with a substantial rose under it, this would be doubly important to keep on top of, to ensure both have sufficient nutrition/moisture to meet their needs and flourish. (As Jeri suggested, but I'm also thinking more about the needs of the tree) I'm now also wondering about the possible risk of damage to the tree's root system when digging the planting hole. I don't know about kumquats (fortunella sp) specifically, but I understand that citrus in general have rather shallow root systems, located within the canopy's 'drip line', and mostly within 30cm/1ft of the surface; plus, if there's mulch around the base, feeder roots will apparently even grow up into the mulch too. Which is I suppose why one often hears that the ground around the base of citrus trees should be kept clear. Maybe it would be something worth bearing in mind, anyway... I seem to spend far too much time finding problems for you, Adam! Ahem..Sorry about that... Comtesse :ì)

While I'm not saying to put it by the tree, I disagree about planting a rose at the base of a tree. Well-established mature trees have most of their feeder roots very far from the trunk. The difficulty would be in digging a hole large enough to get the rose in there. But once planted, a vigorous climber will do just fine at the base of a tree. I have 'Orfeo' and 'Baltimore Belle' planted separately at the bases of trees, and they're already pretty substantial. I also tucked 'Eugene Beauharnais' and "Huilito" at the bases of trees, and they're doing just fine. Both are planted on the "sunny side" of the trunks. The climbers have reached up and around enough that they get plenty of sun. :-) ~Christopher

Gorgeous pictures everyone and you've gotten great advice from people closer to your zone. Just a heads-up that you want to be a bit careful where you buy your Reine des Violettes, since there are two versions of the rose circulating other that name. I started with "Not Reine des Violettes", which is both thorny and a once-bloomer - so Ingrid gets the satisfaction of being right even in her temporary "error". The color is lovely and it climbs, and it has the peppery foliage smell, but no rebloom ever on mine. I have now ordered the real RdV from Burlington, who I trust to know that she has the real one, and it's thornless and should be a repeat bloomer. I'm sure other people would have the real one, but do ask if repeat bloom matters to you. Cynthia

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. This is my fourth spring growing roses and I have learned so much from this forum. I am rethinking placement of Honorine. The area I described is the most exposed part of my yard, so I will put HdB in a warmer, more protected bed closer to the house. The dappled morning shade is created by deciduous trees, primarily a large Catalpa that comes out very late, so once bloomers should be okay. The afternoon shade is rather dense, created by a large white pine. I think I will plant a hydrangea in the shadiest spot, perhaps with Rosa Mundi in the front of the bed. As for Alfred, he will stay in his pot until my new, expanded bed is completed. My husband, a college teacher soon to be on summer break, has started removing sod and I have two scoops of compost just waiting to be mixed in. This bed will be pretty much full sun. The more experience I have with roses the more I come to prefer the old ones, especially the once bloomers. I am waiting eagerly to see the flowers on Leda, Belle de Crécy, and Cardinal de Richelieu. They are loaded with buds! And yes, Carol, I use an app where I keep all the googled images. Happy gardening!