Hi Meg. I think success with a climber depends a great deal on the situation as well as your zone. If it's in an exposed area, it will remain much smaller than if it is well-protected from winter winds, etc.. I am currently growing 3---Victorian Memory, Seven Sisters, and New Dawn. All of them are fragrant, but Seven Sisters is the only one who has really gotten very large. Unfortunately, she winter-killed badly this past winter---the first time in 15 years. You might want to check in on the Antique Rose Forum---lots of very knowledgeable people over there. If you ever have room for a bush, post again---I have several antiques with knock-your-socks-off fragrance!!

To: mainerose: Please give us your recommendations for bush roses. We are absolutely looking for ANTIQUE, FRAGRANT roses. We moved into Buxton last year and are aggressively working on making a garden. We both love roses - we "temporarily" planted 7 last fall and they wintered over well, except for some rodent damage.
Any aid, assistance would be appreciated.

Al and Bea

Hi Al and Bea---any of the rosa albas (Great Maiden's Blush, alba, maxima, Felicite Parmentier, etc.) are all noted for their fragrance. The most fragrant one in my garden is a gallica that I think is Desiree Parmentier. You might want to contact Suzanne Verrier at North Creek Farm in Phippsburg http://www.northcreekfarm.org/ for advice and local plants. I have purchased most of my roses from High Country Roses in Utah. They are wonderful to deal with, even though the shipping makes their roses a little pricey. http://www.highcountryroses.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: Rose List

Hi, Mainerose - Thanks so much for the helpful info. What part of Maine do you live in?

Al and Bea

I live in Farmington.