I am new to growing roses. Last winter I spent many hours on the internet researching old roses and trying to decide which climbers to plant around my sunny, protected, south-facing, zone 6 porch. My little house was built in the 1880's so I hope to drape it in romantic old climbers.

I finally selected the delectable Jaune Desprez and Ghislaine de Feligonde and planted them in April 2003. Both plants are quite healthy and growing well (thanks to heaps of home-grown compost.) I didn't expect anything in the way of blooms the first summer but did get a few. Both plants produced a few tiny flowers (around one inch in diameter.) I was excited to see blooms, but a bit disappointed that the bloom color of both plants was creamy white...the pink/gold that I had been looking forward to was barely visible.

I read that both of these roses change color according to the weather...does the maturity of the plant affect size and coloration...as the plants establish themselves will the golds, pinks and apricots appear? Is the color affected by the soil? If so, is there any amendment that can enhance the color? (I use organic methods only.)

Thank you for any information or suggestions for either Jaune Desprez or Ghislaine de Feligonde.

Also, I'm planning to plant another climbing rose on a nearby pillar, but want one that grows only 8 to 15 feet. I'd like a rose with similar or compatible colors that would look wonderful with the other two, but with contrasting deeper tones...either warm pink or apricot (not too orange, though.) I love flowers with a glowing, translucent quality. I'd prefer an old rose, but any rose with an old-rose look that can be grown organically would be OK... Suggestions?

Thank you,

Cynthia