You could put a white integrifolia at it's feet. Dortmund isn't a climber is it?

Petro.any clematis other than maybe the Integrifolia variety would overwhelm and kill out a "ROSE BUSH"..I always advocating planting clematis with Climbing roses..a White integrifolia that will look good with your red Dortmund rose bush is "Hakuree"..it only gets about 2-3 feet and sprawls ..doesn't climb..no petioles for it to but will scramble up your bush...Jeanne

Thank you both for your suggestions! I think you are both right that a white integrifolia is the way to go. The white color would nicely compliment the white eye of dortmund I think. Any thoughts on where I can find hakuree? I've done some searching, but it doesn't seem all that common.

Dortmund is not technically a climber. I beleive it is considered a rambler, but can be grown as a climber that can reach 20 feet.

Thanks again... Petro

After searching the web and not being able to find hakuree, I was able to fnd integrifolia Alba. Is this a good substitute? My only concern is the blazing Texas sun.

Integrifolia "Alba" will do just fine..it's like any other clematis and needs to have it's roots stay moist..so, if your rose is where it gets the blazing hot summer sun..I don't think it will do there well unless you are vigilent about watering it...Here in Texas..I have to keep my integrifolias in morning sun...Jeanne

Here is a link that might be useful: Integrifolia

Would maybe a texensis cross be better as far as the sun/water requirements go?

Petropolis..are you "pillaring" your Dortmund rose?..I went back and read your first post and you said "climbing up the side of my house" if you aren't keeping it as a bush and allowing it to climb..you can grow any of the viticella clematis..they are hard pruned each late winter/early spring..for me here in Texas zone 8B I do it around Valentines Day and then again after it's bloom cycle ..with our long growing season by repruning and refertilizing we can get 2-3 bloom cycles..why not plant a white like "John Huxtable" or "Huldine"..roses love water too..as long as they drain well..I plant my clematis on the south or the opposite side of my rose from where the sun sets to give them extra shade in the hot afternoon...Jeanne

Chalk Hill has Hakuree.