reh0622 said: Other climbers have this "stiff" cane habit with supersize growth.. Berries 'N Cream, Above All, and Westerfield are examples I am familiar with. Berries 'N Cream is on a pillar while the others are on a lattice wall trellis, but are turning into giant shrubs because of their stiff growth habit and being planted too close together.
I watched a climber seminar sponsored by the American Rose Society and the rosarian speaker was asked the question about climbers and pillars and he said the climber should NOT be planted in the center of the pillar because it creates pruning problems. It should be planted NEXT to it with the canes wound around it. I have three climbers to care for that are planted in the center of pillars: Berries 'N Cream, Blaze, and Madame Carriere. What a nightmare. especially MC.
Best wishes!