Rose identity?

Joy*

Hello everyone. I hope Marlorena sees this!
Last year I had my garden designed and planted. Unfortunately most of the plants were not the correct varieties (substitutes were sent under the name of the variety ordered). The roses have since been replaced but the rogues have been left with me, to do as I like with.  I haven't the heart to bin them and have given away many of them, to make space for the new plants. As the roses were supplied in pairs and my husband likes them, I'm trying to keep one of each. The one I'm having problems with is this lemon one. It was supposed to be Clarence House which is a climber. This one is now between 2 and 3 metres tall but all the growth and flowers are at the top. There is about a metre of last years growth which is completely bare. It wasn't cut back last autumn as I was expecting it to be removed when the replacement bare root roses arrived, but the new roses, in pots, weren't delivered until the end of April. By this time it was already growing well and was past the point of harsh pruning. It has large sprays of lovely flowers which have been damaged by the inclement weather, not much perfume, glossy, healthy foliage with only the odd blemish of blackspot and very strong growth. Can anyone give this rose a name? I'm considering cutting it back, almost to the ground as in its current form it is clearly unmanageable and a mess. I can't make my mind up as to whether it is a climber or a large hybrid tea. What would you do with it please?

Joy*

Just bumping

Marlorena

@Joy*
...I can't see a reason why that isn't 'Clarence House'.. I grew it for a short time only, but there are enough similarities so I wouldn't be wanting to give you an alternative i.d on that.. so in that case, yes it's a climber, as you can see and I personally wouldn't cut it down, but that's up to you... needs some training of those tall canes.. not much you can do about it going bare at the base...
Some sideways training of those canes would make it better Joy...

Joy*

Many thanks Marlorena. It isn't Clarence House - I've had that certified by Peter Beale who bred it and it isn't like the real Clarence House I now have, bought from the breeder. This one has much bigger, with primrose yellow flowers. The poor thing lacks perfume and is rampant - as it was going back to my designer, last year, I didn't bother training it, just cut some of the most wayward canes back. It's a pity but my garden hasn't the space for huge climbers so it might have to be rehomed. I know someone with huge  garden walls where it might be happier.

Marlorena

Oh ok.. could Peter Beales not give you an alternative i.d?..
..I only had this young plant of Clarence House to compare, and it is strongly scented, a citrusy scent if I recall.. so I'm sorry I can't help further on that...  maybe it's best to remove your rose then if not happy.. I know I would..

edhelka

Was the replacement from a supplier that can be named (i.e. the rose would be something they offer)? It would really help to narrow it down.

Joy*

Mmm. Your photograph is the same as my Clarence House. Mine is a youngster so the flowers are a bit small and very low down. The flowers on the huge one are more conical without scent. It's days are numbered in my garden but I won't dig it up until autumn so that it has a better chance of survival elsewhere. I think that it could be a real feature if planted in the right place. 

Joy*

Sorry edhelka I missed your post last night. I wish I knew who was the original supplier as I would be tearing a very big strip off them as many of the plants supplied weren't as specified. The lady who did the design and ordering was let down badly (I wasn't the only client who didn't get the correct plants) and she has replaced many of the plants originally supplied. I expected her to take the wrong ones away but she didn't want them back. I'm currently trying to move things around to fit in the new plants. Fortunately I was going to do the small front garden myself so some of the plants are being used there. I've also given several away. If I knew what this rose was I could deal with it better. It can't stay where it is as it is too big if it is a climber. My current plan is to find someone who has the right situation for it to thrive. It is such a shame to bin it. One thing for sure, if I ever order online, I'll be making sure that I never show a willingness to have substitutes if the ones ordered are not available. 

edhelka

It's certainly a climber. It would look lovely trained on that fence or just winded around that post. But you know better if there is space for it or not.

The foliage is very similar to Clarence House (which I have). Blooms, I am not sure.

Borderline

Take a look at Rosa Elfe. It’s listed as a small climber up to around 3 meters spread. However, there’s supposed to be some scent. Either way it’s a lovely looking rose. 

Joy*

Well done Borderline! I've just Googled Elfe and it looks just like mine. One site says not to water it overhead and the blooms on mine have been marked badly by the rain. It also says that the fragrance is mild - another tick! I agree that my rose does look good with it's very healthy foliage and abundant flowers but sadly it is just too big, unless I get rid of other things to give it enough space. I have a small garden now which wont cope with this type of grower. (I might take a cutting though, just in case something else fails!!)