Sorry I can't suggest as my preference runs to less contrast. I have liked the pictures of Rhapsody. Maybe it's less intense than Gypsy S. or Polish S.?

Are you doing an allée?

This link is a cute post on the rose forum with lots of pictures of roses and clematis.

Here is a link that might be useful: clematis overpowering the roses

Thanks, I've written down Rhapsody as another option. I'm planting the roses and clematis along a wrought-iron fence.

I've got a President on the way and I am thinking about pairing it with a Dudley Cross or Abraham Darby. I was also thinking about just heading up to Brenham and picking up whatever looks good as a climber. I'm out in Katy, so I think the slightly prairie conditions might help with a colder winter, but only slightly. I guess we'll just have to try it and find out! It should be noted, though, that I intend to plant mind either on the north side of a fence or along a swingset post - I plan to put the clematis down on the east side of the post and the rose on the west side of the post, so as to shade the clem root.

Carla have you looked at Venosa Violacea?

Michaela

Venosa Violacea is quite large. In Spokane mine gets 10-12 feet long.

Hi! I think you should talk to the people on the rose or antique rose forum. You need people who live in California and preferably near you to tell you how Madame Alfred Carriere and the Clematis you are interested in grow there. Madame can be very big so I would guess these pairings could work but I don't live where you do! Have fun!

roseberri

Hi, I don't know what help I may be but I have Madame Alfred Carriere and I also have several antique roses with various clematis growing up them. I don't however have one growing with this rose but I think as long as it is the proper growing length you want that any clematis of your choosing would be lovely. I have many clematis of which I no longer know the names to and I have lots of pinks and white roses and usually choose purple shades of clematis to climb through them and they all look beautiful together. They are a stunning combination. :)