Question
The long stem coming from the bottom(base)of the rose.  It has different characteristics from the other stems.  I think that I am suppose to cut if off.  Seems like I read that this one-which has a name- steals energy from the plant as a whole.  Note-this stem grew fast.


Answer
All roses are budded onto what is called an under stock. This under stock is a very vigorous rose which gives it's vigor to the rose that is on top of it. Sometimes a rose cane will grow from the under stock and it usually looks different than the rose canes. However some roses when they grow basal canes, do have stems that look different than their older canes. To make sure that it is coming from the under stock, just dig down along side of the rose bush and if the canes is coming from below the graft which looks like a large lump, then yank it off. But if it is coming from above the lump then it is okay to leave it. Hope this helps.