If it were RRD, it would be producing really UGLY leaves--witch's broom growth and possibly excessive prickles on the stems. Doesn't sound to me like you have any of those symptoms, so I wouldn't worry about it.

Many roses, at various stages in their development, put out burgundy red growth. Unless it starts producing THE UGLIES, enjoy the beauty of the burgundies.

Kate

Some varieties are evidently known for it--saw a comment on ARE's site (I think) commenting not to get alarmed about it on some variety.

My Champney's Pink Cluster gets a mottled purple coloring on the big cane bases when cooler weather sets in. Doesn't appear to be a pathogen--the plant has healthy leaves, lots of flowers--it's an old plant.

Canes of many varieties change color as they age. These changes are usually most noticeable in spring, when one-year-old green canes may start turning gray, brown, blackish, or reddish. These changes will include a streaky or spotty stage that may be alarming to worriers. Canes that are a few years old usually will have turned gray with rough bark.

Are the canes you observe turning red or are they growing out red, which is normal for most modern varieties?

Michael, they are my largest canes & they are turning red, rather than starting out red. it did start as a bit spotty but now the entire cane is this burgundy color.

Thank you all so much for the comments, I am feeling better about this color change.

...these large canes tend to be accompanied only by one or two other small canes, first season, newbie rose gardener type :)

That definitely sounds like maturing canes and nothing to worry about. As they mature you'll see they'll eventually turn gray/brown and barky. Sounds like you have a nice happy, healthy rose!

I've seen that happen here... Seems normal to me...

It sounds like the bush's are trying to shut down for the winter. They've stored up all their goody stuff for the winter and are ready for a couple of months of sleep. This happens with most of my roses about this time of the year. Don't mess with them until next spring. To me it is like the bush is telling me it's happy and healthy and it'll be ready to do it's thing in the spring :)

Oh good, thank you all so very much!! I am so glad you guys are here and full of wisdom. :) :)