These are marvellous plants. I cannot sing their praises highly enough. Tough, easy and wilt resistant (not wilt-proof, but it's a rare thing). They are strong but not choking and because they are cut back at the end of February, they don't create that 'Wild Man of Borneo' look which is all too familiar with montanas and the more vigorous species. A delight grown with climbing roses, (Elvan and Zepherine Drouhin, Etoile Violette and Golden Showers etc.) and into small trees. They will also look marvellous grown on their own and although the flowers are small in comparison to the hybrids, what you lack in size you will gain in quantity.
Astoundingly, they grow up to 12ft from their pruned state and flower on that new wood. So steel yourselves - be brave and cut them back! If you don't they get leggy and flower up on the roof where you can't see them. The majority flower from July to September, sometimes into October and are invaluable for the summer and autumn garden. Try planting two contrasting colours together (they could go in the same hole). Abundance and Etoile Violette or Mrs. Tage Lundell and Plena Elegans. On the whole, they do best where they can get enough sun to ripen the plants though they are very tolerant and worth trying if you have an open northern aspect. It is also worth considering planting them to flower through heathers and rambling amongst border plants. A plant to squeeze into your garden, no matter how packed it might be. Flower diameters 2 - 5 inches. Temp. Zones 3 - 9.
Sorry, we are no longer able to provide a mail order service. Visitors to the nursery are welcome.
Prices: 2 litre plants from £6.50 - 4 litre plants from £12.50 - Available at the nursery only. See Introduction page for opening times