Well, given York Rose's link, it's obvious that there's no source for grafted 'Cl. Crimson Glory'. I have to say, however, that 'Cl. Crimson Glory' can be grown successfully -- and quite impressively -- on its own roots. From where did you acquire your plant? It's been my (unscientific) observation that when taking cuttings to propagate climbers (esp modern ones), its VERY important to avoid thin, wimpy plant material. Unfortunately, some suppliers root cuttings indiscriminately and without regard for their long-term viability. My experience has been that the quality of the cutting determines the quality of the mature plant -- especially where modern roses are concerned, and MOST especially where modern CLIMBERS are concerned. Perhaps you simply received a dud plant, so I hope you'll try again, & I also hope you'll avoid a band-size plant. One other observation about 'Crimson Glory' in both its forms: Altho it appreciates warmth, it resents constant, unrelenting direct sun. Provide it some afternoon shade in your zone, Rosefolly, and it may reward you. And one last comment . . . I noted that you say that Jon's plant 'reaches FOR' the second floor. No doubt Jon's plant has been there for a long while. 'Cl Crimson Glory' is a good climber, but it's not an especially tall climber.

What a job, Jackie! And it's just beginning. I wouldn't give your roses the encouragement of extra water or any fertilizer until it's over. Water as usual. If it gets blistering hot, you should water as you ordinarily would. Scaffolding is very expensive and dangerous to work on. Let's hope it doesn't have to be placed on top of a rose. The supports have to go where they have to go. And I fear scaffolding will be up longer than you think. They like to take it down all at once, and if it's needed for the construction, it could be there a while. As for the pallet idea, I share Ann's concern for your soil. But I wouldn't put pallets down to trip up the painters or construction workers. Construction is dangerous, and NO garden is worth an injury to a worker. The best you can do is emphasize to the contractors on no uncertain terms that your garden is old and valuable, that your plants are not to be harmed and that it is not a garbage dump. You can put the fear of God in them, and that's the best you can do. Don't add a tripping hazard to their already dangerous jobs. I'd be just as concerned about them driving over other parts of your garden with their pickups. They love to park right next to the job (their trucks are their tool boxes). Put up that yellow construction tape where they can see it, so they have no excuses.

I'm sorry you've had such difficulty, Jackie. It's likely due to the temps we've been having. The best success so far from hotter zones is winter to early summer. I quit trying anything until it cools off. There are many other things to do in the garden to waste my time shooting myself in the foot. That is also what's been reported from most areas. Dormant to semi dormant wood is best and the temperatures most of us get in later winter to early summer are most conducive to callusing and rooting. Kim

I have often wondered if I see reds the way some others do. Some folks seem to perceive fine gradations among red shades that I do not. At least, in reading their comments, one gets that impression. But it may be that the problem is more of verbal imprecision--scarlet and crimson are routinely used interchangeably, to mean merely intense or saturated color. I get and see differences among reds on a light-dark continuum, and on an orange-blue continuum, but that's about it. Anway, I chimed in mainly to tell you how I see a few of them. Chevy Chase is to me the orang-est and brightest red of the three you mentioned--that is, it doesn't have any blue in it at all, to my eye. My wife thinks its a bit garish, but I like it a lot. Cl Crimson Glory is indeed slow to get climbing, but it repeats well and is very fragrant. But it is definitely on the blue side--no doubt about it. If you are trying to avoid blue, you might not care for this one after all the waiting. My Cl Etoile de Holland starts true red but does finish blue. On the plus side, the flowers last a long time, and they smell divine. I also like Souv de Claudius Denoyel for a strong growing, frequently repeating climber with flowers that start true red but tend to finish blue. The photos of SdCD on HMF look pretty accurate to me. I don't grow Bardou Job, but have been tempted to try it. Will be interested to see others' comments about it.