Where does the stem start? Above the rootstock joint - not a sucker. below the rootstock joint - a sucker.

Hi Urbanite, it's just above the rootstock, I was curious because it looks so different from the rest of the plant, ie different colour and it looks very tender.

If its growing from above the graft or rootstock, its part of your rose, as Urbanite says - many roses produce reddish new stems, and they are soft to start with.

As I recall, suckers from the rootstock produce leaves in 7's, and the grafted material usually in 5's.

That's not definitive Mollymuddler - while most HTs and floribundas have 5, not all do - other groups of roses may have 7, 9 or 11, so its not really a good guide. The only sure way to decide if its a sucker is to see where its growing from.

Well, Molly, the stem does start above the rootstock, but it also has seven leaves, that is where my confusion lies.

Hi Bamboo, I posted my reply just as yours came up.
The stem is definitely above the root stock.

See my answer to Molly, Treetop... if its coming from below the graft at the base, its a sucker - if its coming from above, its not, end of story!

Yeah, I think I'll go with you Bamboo and just leave it.
As a complete amateur, I would be lost without you lot on GOY.