Just wanted to thank everyone for their comments so far.
Most of my experience with roses on multiflora rootstock is with Hortico, so I've been viewing Palatine with a completely unwarranted prejudice! Zuzu, it's useful to know that gophers don't like multiflora rootstock (though my above ground furry nibblers definitely prefer multiflora hybrids). And Val, thanks a bajillion for the photo. My reaction was identical to Skiekitty's.
