Just a bit of a silly question -- this rose is classed here as a "Bourbon, Climbing" but its sport-parent is classed here as a "Bourbon". I admit that both are long-caned Bourbons which have climbing habits, but if many references claim the sport is slightly less vigorous than the parent, shouldn't that indicate that both should at least be in the same class?
Climbing sports are quite usual among Roses. They are not less vigorous, possibly less floriferous. Look for example at 'Souvenir de la Malmaison, Cl.' It is a monster!
From what I've always read, 'Mme Ernest Calvat' differs from 'Mme Isaac Pereire' in bloom color and being slightly less vigorous. Never have I seen it described as a "climbing sport".
Mme Ernst Calvat 1889 Mme. Isaac Pereire - rampant 1936 climbing 1992 6 feet
Mme. Isaac Pereire 1881 & 1914 very vigorous 1913 pillar 1936 climbing 2.5m 1992 & 1993 7' (2m)
In the 'Mme Isaac Pereire' file, member Carlene in Texas has reported 15-20 foot canes. Looking at the photos, there is a fairly big bush from member Mirek in Czech Republic; member Rescht-Laurent in France displays a trained climber; Sylvieyou, France has it over a pergola; and Ananto, Netherlands refers to it as "an ideal climber".
I've had Mdme Ernest for nine years and have enjoyed her very much. She's extremely winter hardy. It takes -20 temps to damage the canes. Mdme Ernest needs lots of room as she gets very large, even in zone 5. Her only fault would be a bit of powdery mildew in August, nothing horrible though. And she doesn't like being pruned in the least. If you want a fuss free rose this is one to look at. Dead head, clip off dry ends and go.
I grew this rose in Texas, with the long canes wrapped around a tripod of bamboo canes. Drawing out the long canes in a horizontal fashion allowed bud unions to sprout along the entire length - similar to pegging. During one spring flush, the bush put off over five hundred blooms. Wonderful and powerful scent - great flower form with some proliferations in the early blooms. Some tendency to black spot, so an open/airy location is recommended.
