Keith I hate to dampen your enthusiasm in any way, but...out here, Rose Rosette Virus is rampant, and we are digging out and destroying any multiflora rose that we come across. I hope this disease doesn't reach your area, but as a precaution, I would recommend not growing any multiflora. There are so many better roses.
Weird stems and extra stems sure sounds like RRD. I have removed 35 much loved roses from my property because of RRD, so I am very familiar with the beginning symptoms. Sorry.........
As a precaution, you might want to disinfect any tools you use with this rose. We use Chlorox wipes here.
