I suspect that my problem with grafted roses has been the spring freeze-thaw period. Spring is also very wet, so the ground fluctuates from solid ice to spongy mush and back again daily. Any snow cover melts then refreezes to solid ice. It is also very rocky here in the Pocono Mountains, so it is very difficult to dig extremely deep holes to bury the graft. There are also areas of clay soil. My grafted roses split at the graft. All were planted with the graft below the surface and considerable winter protection. Most were bargain roses, so higher quality plants may be different.
At this point, I am happy with my own root hardy roses in my garden, but get zone envy while watching the rose parades.
I was asking about RU own root versions of these roses. Florist roses that are weak growers in CA are probably not the best choices for the Pocono Mountains.
