Pauls Himalayan Musk rose number of leaves

Can anyone tell me if its OK that my Pauls Himalyan Musk rose has 7 leaves. It has never flowered and I am frightened that it could be a sucker.

 

I was also wondering the same. I have the same rose and it has seven leaves. is this normal?

 

Almost certainly, the answer to the second question is yes. Floribundas and hybrid teas generally have five leaflets, but other types of rose may have seven or more.

From memory, I think 'Paul's Himalayan Musk' is a rambler, and they generally have seven leaves. Have you been giving your rose a crew cut? Unlike many garden roses, ramblers bloom on old wood, so don't chop too much of it away. On the other hand, you'll probably want to keep your plant in check, as it can grow to be very large indeed if allowed to romp away.

 

Thanks for your reply, i havent been pruning yet as it is in bloom but it will need some attention eventually as it is growing very rapidly.

 

Just went out and looked at mine - yes seven leaflets. The rain has finished off most of the flowers now but it was beautiful 2 weeks ago, so no problem with that many leaves.
Mine took a year to settle in and now it grows 2-3 big new shoots every year. I've been told by a visitor to my garden that the best way to keep it in check is to cut out some of these new shoots each year, and just trim the ends of existing branches if they get too long. I shall be trying that shortly as it is very large in spite of growing in shade, it sounds as if it might be good advice in view of Claralou's comment.

 

thanks Liz, i will keep your advice in mind when i cut it back. Mine is also in the shade but dosent seem to mind as it has grown very tall.