I think this is a great rose all around. Long, straight stems are the norm and the bloom has good form and color as well as size. However. the center is not often pinpoint so that while it is very Queenly otherwise, the bloom center may hold it back. See the photo I just posted. Like Louise Estes and Brigadoon, Clair does not get going quickly coming out of winter (just a slow starter - she is hardy 2 winters in zone 5b) but a few weeks after many others have had their peak bloom Clair is putting on a show!

For reasons unknown, Japanese Beetles seem to stay away from Clair Elyse.