Brickwork is excellent! How big is the pot? I believe that a rose needs one which, is at least 16 inches diameter or bigger. It also needs to be deep. Looking at the photograph of the whole plant, it's the leaves at the bottom which are damaged. This would tell me that its something you are putting on with the water which is splashing onto the lower leaves. I'd take the advice to lay off feeding it and concentrate on keeping it watered. Failing every thing else, is there any chance of planting it into the ground? Not only is your excellent brickwork going to bake it but also the gravel under the pot.
It looks smaller in the full bush picture so I understand what you mean by those canes being weak but I still think it's good if it was cut back earlier this year and if it is in its 2nd season only. The upper growth looks healthier and I agree with Jason, Gertrude usually isn't a pretty plant. I think it needs patience and giving it time to grow (without cutting it back too much). You can try to train the longest cane more horizontally (carefully zigzaging it on the trellis in an S shape), it will give you new lateral growth from the cane and it will look better.
It’s John Innes and Multi purpose about 50:50 with a helping of well rotted horse manure too. Mine are in half barrels and doing well for the 2nd year.
I agree with Jason. My GJ is not a great-looking thing, foliage scrappy and straggly and nowhere as healthy as others that i grow. Flowers and scent are gorgeous though, so I have left it in.
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