The roses from Palatine probably have been growing in the field a couple of years longer than the own-root ones from Chamblee's when you get them, but it's not just a matter of age. The rootstock also enhances the vigor of most roses. Northland Rosarium sold Pomponella Fairy Tale last year, for instance, and listed its dimensions as 2' x 2'. Mine from Palatine is easily 6' x 6' and possibly larger.
With very few exceptions, the own-root roses are clearly distinguishable from the grafted roses in my garden. They're half the size or even less.
