I think a lot of it depends, like everything to do with roses, on exactly where you are. I have heard, for example, that roses do better in Florida if they are on Fortuniana, but that has something to do with the soil in Florida.

Where are you?

In No Cal where I live, almost all of my roses are on their own roots, and the ones that were not were constantly throwing up suckers, which drove me crazy.

Jackie

Yep, Petaluma CA All my own roots are doing great & I am sick of suckers too1 Would like to convert all of them to own roots

You would probably find it easier to compile a list of roses which are awful on their own roots then the reverse. If you still have a J&P catalog from before their demise, check to see what they offered as New Generation Roses, their own root ones. If it wasn't on that list, they probably (though not guaranteed) found the rose not to root easily nor grow well own root. Case in point, they tried to offer Henry Fonda own root but found it didn't grow well enough so they went back to budding. That should help take care of that bunch.

Week's also offers a number of theirs own root. If they don't offer the variety you have in mind, it's as likely at this point they hadn't gotten around to that one as it is it won't work well.

As for Austins, I'd imagine any of them with any vigor to them should work acceptably well in most situations. The really awful plants (Dove, Fair Bianca and other weak, spindly ones) probably won't make great plants own root. Yes, you will always find sources for them as own root plants. You can find Grey Pearl as an own root plant but that does NOT mean it will be any good, just that someone is offering it that way.

You're probably going to find this whole exercise easier and more valuable if you ask which roses are awful on their own roots. I can guarantee you it'll be a whale of a lot easier to compile! Kim

I haven't noticed a difference in the moderns and all my ogr's are own-root.

I think success also has to do with climate as well. I never had luck with a own root hybrid tea in zone 5. They just do not have the vigor necessary to spring back after winter, unless they are grafted.
The vigorous David Austin english roses, most are great own root for me. They are quite vigorous, and well mannered on own root. One that is not good own root: Pat Austin, this rose is own root and has never gotten more than 1 foot tall! Definitely get this one grafted.
I try to get own root when I can unfortunately it is difficult to get some of the antique roses as such. I have had multiflora grafts "go bad" a couple times, the rootstock just seemed to die.

Absolutely, sc_gardener. Climatic suitability is a key ingredient for success. If a variety isn't good own root where own root roses mostly succeed, though, they surely won't be good where the climate is more extreme. Kim