Fortuniana is the prefered root stock for the eastern US with acid soils
here in the west Dr. Huey is the better choice for grafting.

Own root roses are usually better performers and more hardy than
grafted/budded roses, however this is not a iron clad rule. Some varities
don't grow well on their own roots and other varities have VERY agressive
root systems that tend to spread and the grafted/budded plants are more
controlable.

I imagine that the Floridia climate doesn't take winter hardiness as a
serious factor in determining own root versus grafted/budded. Yet the
Floridia climate may also not allow enough 'winter rest' for some varities!

ARS ratings tend to be biased toward exhibition characteristics and are
average ratings for the entire US.

Depending on your climate or mine, some varities perform beyond the average
rating.

Tim


"Janie Gordon" wrote in message
...
I know that all FL roses need to be on FORTUNIANA root stock to last
more than 3-5 yrs... But there are times when a color is just to
difficult to do without, etc etc... and.. I buy it anyway.
I have a 2003 Handbook For Selecting Roses given to members of the Amer
Rose Society. (I got mine from a friend). I just bought a "CARY GRANT"
rose on Fortuniana root stock- but the handbook only give it a 7.2
rating= an average rose. The ratings go up to 10. and down to 6.0= not
recomended.
MY QUESTIONS:
-- Considering that its on Fortuniana root stock (lasts forever with
the right attention), does this mean it won't perform as well as a
higher rated rose? --
-- I mean just how reliable are the ARS ratings for each individual
state? --
I have a 3 yr old Climbing "Joseph's Coat" (NOT Fortuniana- so I guess
it won't last for more than 3 more yrs down here), ARS gives it only a
7.4 - YET, without ANY spray, very little feeding and ample water its my
most floriferous bush!!
Thanks for any feedback.
-- I Would also like to know how you feel about the Climber "Pink
Perpetue"... --