This far north where roses may not be 100% cane hardy, it's best to bury the graft. The desired rose will put out roots and so if it gets killed back the "good" rose will regrow. I usually try to get own root roses and then I don't have the issue of the root stock suckering.

Mimeo, yesterday I planted two grafted roses and buried the graft about 3 inches. I live along the CT shoreline and have lost many roses to winter kill. I'm still mourning the demise of a beautiful 'Tiffany' rose, from suckering of the Dr. Huey root stock. So now I bury any with grafts, though buying own root roses also works.

I also plant roses with the graft a couple of inches below the soil level. In winter I add a mound of mulch. I don't have any problems with vermin here, but if that's a possibility where you are, just be sure t wait until the ground freezes before mulching. I remove the mulch when I see the first signs of growth in spring, and just spread it around.

You are all so helpful..So the consenses is to bury the grafted portion which I did today..I will mulch when ground freezes and take it off when growth resumes and make sure the area is well drained..Thank you

Am assuming that not only do they flower more profusely when in full hot sun, but the sun protects the canes too. I planted them in areas where the micro climate runs warmer and they get direct hot sun..)

Just give them water, fertilizer and mulch and they'll be fine in the hot sun. If we don't have a good rain during the week water them well in the morning so that the foliage dries.

Steve