Budding this rose (and MANY OTHERS) makes ALL the difference. It may grow acceptably where the conditions and climate suit it, but where they don't, it isn't good. As you experienced, it defoliated from disease, which may or may not be a result of its not having a sufficient root system under it. Lack of roots causes nutrient deficiencies as well as possible water stress, both of which can easily result in disease issues. It's unfortunate that producers offer varieties own root which should not be offered that way. Just because it CAN be done, does not mean it SHOULD be. In my old Newhall garden, EdB grew and flowered well own root, but the disease pressures there were usually quite low with much of the season being hot and arid. A friend closer to the coast here in California lamented her love for the rose but added it was horrible in her climate. I budded one for her on virus indexed Fortuniana and gave it to her. She frequently posts photos of it to on line forums and praises it as finally performing as she had always wished it would due to the vigor of its "artificial roots". Which stock you should try depends upon where you are and what performs best in your conditions, but, yes, it is definitely worth trying the plant budded. Not this variety, but as an example of the difference budding can make, the photo I've included is of two Grey Pearl plants. They were produced by Sequoia Nursery and grew in their greenhouses in Visalia, CA. We had the discussion of the differences between weak growers own root and budded, so they provided this example. Both were propagated from the same original plant, at the same time, grown in the same sized pots, in the same soil, side by side in the green house. The beautiful plant behind the chlorotic one is budded. The stunted, yellowed runt of a plant in front is the same variety but own root. Is the difference this dramatic with every rose? No. CAN it be this dramatic with roses which appear to refuse to grow? VERY often.