Ashdown did have a limited multiflora-grafting operation several years ago, which IMO was a very good thing. I don't think it has continued, unfortunately.

At one time I believe they did, as neroseman stated, sell multiflora grafted roses. I even think I have a few. Get down where that sucker is growing and cut it out completely. Seal it with something and you should not have any more worries.

Thank you for your replies!

I think I was told at the time of purchase that they were not grafting but it was left out that the ones currently for sale (bought from Ashdown directly) could still be.... Aaaarg! That was exactly the reason why I went to Ashdown for my roses -- no grafting.

I'll do just that and then seal the bush.

Thanks again!
-Les

Yes, they definitely DID graft on multiflora for at least some roses and definitely DON'T now.

I bet yours was grafted then, and you can feel the graft if yours is like the ones I have that are grafted from them.

I'm sorry you've got suckering! I do prefer ownroot because I wind up with suckering rootstock issues, too, more often than I'd like. Suckering own-roots just means more roses to trade, lol.

Of course, in my zone I don't have the same considerations as y'all northerners RE grafted or not.

Regarding multiflora, It's a once blooming rose that blooms on 2nd year wood. The blooms appear in clusters of tiny 5 petaled white flowers.
If this cane just grew this year and has bloomed, you have something other than multiflora.
Don't cut the sucker. Doing so will promote branching.

Gently pull the soil away until you find where the sucker grows from the root stock. Grasp it firmly as close to it's source as possible and pull down tearing some of the root stock tissue with it. This removes ALL the sucker, leaving nothing to regrow.

ok Karl! I have a few older roses that are grafted, and never did this - cutting the suckers off didn't stop them. Out there this weekend, you betcha. Thanks.

Please feel free to email photos etc to me privately if I can help. Also the name your order was placed under. I might be able to trace which plant you got.

Paul

Karl,
I have never had the sucker come back when I take my knife and cut it out at the root stock. I always seal it immediately, and have had good luck doing it this way. Luckily, I have only had to do this a few times.

Glad cutting it works for you. Probably would for me too but an inexperienced grower doing it may not cut it back as close to the root stock as we do. This could lead to branching.
Unless I know otherwise, I try to give advice based on the person receiving it having very limited or no knowledge of roses. I know many reading these posts are novice growers.

Karl,
I would agree. I re-read my post after you posted and realized I did not go into enough detail. I think you're attitude on this is best, and I think I'll try to follow that in the future.

Hi everyone!!!!
I really didn't expect such wonderful replies and so very much appreciate them.

Karl - I cut off the sucker already... will keep an eye out for more... I will tear the next time one appears.

pfzimmerman - I would LOVE to email you with any remaining info I have... I believe I spoke with you YEARS ago and you were so helpful then.

Thank you ALL for your comments and suggestions!!!
-Les

Just reeceived really good reassurance that my rose bush was sending off a shoot telling me how happy she is!!! Yikes! And I returned her favor buy lopping it off!

I do hope she forgives me and grows more.

Thank you Paul!
-Les

Sometimes we act too fast.
The time for action is after the question has been completely answered and all possibilities have been explored.
That's why I gave that description of multiflora.
It didn't sound like a multiflora sucker, especially blooming on this year's growth.
Perhaps by cutting it off as you did it will branch
and send out more canes.

Karl I think you are right about acting too fast.

Really appreciate your comment about sending more canes. That helps take the sting out of removing this last one.

Thank you!