I wouldn't call it thornier than average. It can get tall and arching, so I try to keep it pruned back to about 4 ft. Disease resistance is very good.

Absolutely no idea how it does own root since ours were from Palatine.

I had mine own root for about 8 years and it got quite tall and lanky. It is an excellent bloomer and very healthy against blackspot as Mad says. Wonderful photo! The color doesn't wash out to mucky beige like some apricots do, but it isn't a robust peach color either. It's more of a buff apricot that stays soft. I didn't always get that profusion of bloom but they are double and very pretty, and it can be a bush filled with blooms.

Mine was tall and narrow but needed support so it didn't sprawl all over its neighbors. It got about 5' tall each season and was caged to be about 2' wide. I can't see that it would get any bigger grafted so I think you're fine with it as an own root bush.

I don't notice thorns much on roses since I expect them anyway, but I didn't notice them particularly bad on Caramella. I have replaced it and am expecting mine to grow to similar proportions when mature, so I've already caged it up. Quite a recommended rose.

Cynthia

Mine is about 8 or 8+ years old. Planted in a deck flower bed - it is tall and arching, doesnt get in the way and I have barely pruned it. It has not been covered in blooms but hasnt been fertilized regularly. Healthy foliage without being sprayed regularly. Blooms are a lovely shade of creamy apricot. It is thorny but that isnt a problem where I have it planted. Its tall but doesnt want to throw out long canes - it is more upright. Would like to see it bloom more so going to be more regular with fertilizing. Love the color.

Judith