My answer to you just disappeared thanks to houzz. I have a bunch of Austins growing in partial shade due to tree shade. They grow just fine, but bloom mostly in spring. Before the trees grew larger, these same roses bloomed all summer. My other Austins in sun bloom fine. I garden in zone 7, SW Idaho, hot and dry summers. I lived in San Jose many years ago, and remember your weather well. I'd grow that climber in full sun, and forget what Austin says. Their advice isn't very good. I've grown Austins successfully for decades. Diane

I would think that in central California there is so much light and sun that a rose that requires more sun in a more northerly climate might appreciate more shade in San Jose. It's getting ever hotter and a climber would have even more exposure to dry and hot weather, so I'd err more on the side of shade than sun these days.

Maybe, but when I lived in San Jose, I didn't even have air conditionting--and that was in several different homes. I didn't have AC in Redondo Beach, either, and neither did my in laws in LA. It never was as hot as it is here, and often not as sunny. It depends on where you are in California--say Bakersfield or Fresnot--and then you'll broil. Diane

San Jose is South Bay--I wouldn't call it central California. Diane

I have an arbor going in where you walk through it from east to west or west to east... that's the path. Anyway, I'm putting Claire on one side or the other, Generous Gardener opposite. I figure that GG is more vigorious, so that will go on the shadier side. In figuring out exactly how many hours of sun each side will get - I put numbered metal plates out on sticks right where the roses will go. Then I go out and record every hour, if it's shade, part shade/sun, full sun or what. That is really giving me the knowledge I need. Given the change in seasonal declination... spring is fewer hours of sun and summer is almost relentless.

SO.... I've found a set of outdoor, string lights meant for greenhouses - with grow light LED bulbs. I'm going to hang them on my arbor such that the roses have a bit of a growing boost during the spring days (on a timer). Sort of like those fun patio lights people string all over their yards - but these actually accomplish good things.

Maybe something like that will help?

I don't live in the Bay area, but I have friends who do and the climate is disinctive region by region. How hot are your afternoons? I do know that where I live, if it says some shade I always give it afternoon shade... the afternoon sun in CA can be intense and brutal.

SJ Gardener, we have summers of 95-105 routinely. It's dry hear so that helps. But SJ is prime rose growing territory. Have you visited the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden? How do they display their climbers and Austins? Do you have rose growing neighbors and acquaintances who could advise your rose placement? A few days ago, on another thread, I mentioned that if I could choose anywhere to grow my roses, it would be San Jose (but I don't want to deal with the traffic and population again). But I enjoyed my time there. My daughter's a native, I married an LA guy, and I went to two Cal universities--so I have lots of good things to say about California. Climate wise and otherwise, it seems like four or five different states, all wedged together as one. Diane

S.J.Gardener: Our summer temps here top 100 degrees most of the summer; and the nights are warm too. I have lots of roses, but none Austin. I had Austin in the past and they did poorly. I don't buy Austins anymore, so I don't know how they do in CA.

This past summer my roses bloomed almost non-stop... even in July and August. Most are in full sun, and some only get the hot afternoon sun. However, most are old. Ths house was built in 1989 and I think most have been there that long. I redid the corner bed and ripped out some shrubs and replanted the space with more roses. Those did OK too - go figger'. I guess it's most about water with roses; as long as they get the right amount they're happy.