Hi Andi ...
You are wise to focus on health issues first. Our gardens are for our souls and to give us respite, so do what you can without adding stress to your life and let your garden be a source of joy.
Andi ... my part of California is coming out of our historic five year drought, but the water grab is not over. I didn't plant much during the drought because everything was already water stressed. I am kind of glad I never planted a clematis because I think the blooms would fry in my triple digit temps without more shade than I can give the plant ...
I have a hunch the Romanticas may be too tender for you, but I know that all of the Kordes roses introduced after 2002 have been field tested for being suited for being grown own root, so if you do find them in a big box store as own root plants, you can feel comfortable about purchasing them. You are wise to do your research first.
As for own root Austins, many of the early Austins were weak plants even when they were budded. I think you need to get some feedback from others who have grown them as own root plants before you invest money and time in them. They may have pretty blooms, but that does not mean that they are solid plants.
FYI ... on the Rose Forum, I am reading that the Fairy Tale roses can grow up to be very large plants ...
Andi ... for a fragrant cutting rose, you, too, could go with 'Sunsprite'
Rose (Rosa 'Sunsprite')
It has stood the test of time and is quite fragrant
or Bonica, which is quite bullet proof, but not as fragrant
Shrub Rose (Rosa 'Bonica')
Be well ... it's good to hear from you.
