Is there any real difference between this rose and Climbing Old Blush? I can't SEE any real difference...

My own experience with the Empress doesn't confirm all these rave reviews I'm afraid. Maybe it's my climate, or maybe just inadequate soil preparation, but mine puts out a wonderful early spring flush, then drops all it leaves,and goes dormant ,looking like a skeleton during main rose season. Then it starts leafing out again, and may produce a sporadic flower or two for the rest of the year. Here in Italy, with our mild winters, it does flower a bit even in winter, and does not drop it's leaves.Climbing Old Blush behaves very much the same, and in fact the two roses are very , very much alike. I suspect that since it gets no winter dormancy, it just feels exhausted after the big spring flush, and goes to sleep for a while afterwards. My teas don't do this, however they don't produce such a profusion of flowers all at one time either. I think I'm going to prune mine back, dig it up and pot it for a while, and try re-planting it in better soil later on, to see if it will be happier.

Elizabeth Nursery Company: Abridged Catalogue With Novelties, p. 20 (1885)

Empress of China, Climbing. A new and valuable climber. Commences flowering the last of May, it will bloom repeatedly till very late in the fall. In vigor of growth it is unsurpassed. The flowers are small but delicate and waxy; somewhat fragrant. The color is dark red in the bud, changes as the flower opens to a lighter red or pink, like an apple blossom. 20 cts. each, $1.50 per 10.

Jackson & Perkins: List of Choice Specialties for Nurserymen, Florists and Dealers. July 1893

EMPRESS OF CHINA. It is the only strictly perpetual blooming climber now known and bound to supercede all other climbers. It is extremely hardy, having the last winter withstood a cold of 16˚ below zero. It commences blooming early in the spring and continues until the ground freezes solid, it even tries to bloom during the winter. Very fragrant, is of beautiful form, being especially valuable for buttonhole boquets. Color deep red in the bud, changing to pink and red, like an apple bloom. It is nearly double, with a waxy appearance, like a tea rose. Well worthy a trial by all lovers of the rose.