Hi Margaret. I have a Harison's yellow rose as well. It has been in my family since I can remember. My father even made me a corsage for the grade six commencement ceremony from it. Be careful. I would leave four or five of the healthier canes and cut back the rest if you feel you do not want to thin it gradually. I cut one of mine back right down and almost lost it. I think it is still in recovery after three years. They are a beautiful rose :) HTH Gayle -- "To err is human, some of us are more human than others" Asleigh Brilliant