So, you're not looking for climbers that get enormous. A possibility is the Pemberton Hybrid Musks: excellent foliage, small-flowered, some repeat bloom, lovely fragrance, some with flexible canes; not overly thorny. As a class I think of them as roses that are more than the sum of their parts: a description like mine doesn't do justice to their beauty as plants. I believe they do well in your described climate. Examples: 'Cornelia', 'Francesca', Buff Beauty', 'Kathleen', but there are others equally good.

Here's a link to a past conversation about climbing roses...thought it was really helpful. I bookmarked it and refer back to it for planning my rose arbors. Hope it's useful 😊 https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5969092/what-are-the-best-climbing-roses

I have Eden and Climbing pinkie in this area.

Thank you all who've replied! I have a South backyard fence that the partial shade rose is free to grow on as well so vigorous growth isn't much of a concern. BS is my main nemesis for my two potted roses. I've haven't heard of Buff Beauty but wow, gorgeous apricot color!

Artist, you are and I are in the same neck of the woods. Have you had any issues with BS on Eden and Pinkie?

Another vote for 'Cornelia', which is mannerly and easy deal with, does well even in partially shady conditions, and has ZERO thorns. (One of the two I have is actually growing through a fig tree -- no way I would do that if it had any thorns at all!) I have also grown 'Buff Beauty' and 'Francesca' and, though also nice, did have thorns and were a bit more rambunctious, though not terribly so.

How unbelievably gorgeous, catspa! You have me sold on Cornelia based on how much she produces. I've seen New Dawn mentioned in the forums often. Does anyone have experience with the white variant in GA/AL/TN?

I don’t have the white New Dawn, but I have Awakening which is a similar pink sport of New Dawn. It’s very healthy for me and gives a good spring and fall flush.

However, I’m going to recommend to you Bathsheba. Incredibly healthy in my humid area living above a soggy creek bottom with foggy mornings. And it is my most prolific and frequently blooming rose. I almost get tired of her honey scented flowers because they are always there. :) *Almost*. Until I stop and notice again how intricate and beautiful she is!