Randy I have very similar tree, even lopsided like yours. The tree was getting too tall to keep inside, but luckily was not infested. I was looking for info how to prune it & that is how I found this forum. I have followed Al's recommendations to a letter (and I have never even read about root pruning/proper repotting): 1. 'inspection' of roots/flushing thoroughly/proper watering & fertilizing - all few months ahead of proper repotting; 2. then at proper time (July), root pruning (the root ball was a mess)-repotting into brand new soil mix (5-1-1); 3. continue proper watering/fertilizing as recommended 4. pruning branches approx. month later I am very satisfied with results, the tree looks much better and has lots of new leaves growing. An it is few inches shorter (more pruning next year). It took some effort, but if you really want your plant to grow well, it is worth it. I am following similar routine with all my potted plants - it will take some time since I have 'few', but by same time next year all of them will be in new soil mix, root pruned/repotted/branches pruned and I am sure growing much healtier. The info you'll find on this forum is very helpful. Al has many extremely informative threads, and I have save them for reference. Much easier for me to get infor-he does all the hard work of writing it all... Many other members have very good posts and photos too - sorry I can't think of all the names right now. Good luck with your tree. Rina

Of COURSE ignorance and lack of research have kept ND a popular rose. That's how the vast majority of the rose buying public actually buys their roses! But around here the reason it sells well is because there are so many out there in neighborhoods looking wonderful and people see it and want it. It's that simple. Now, I also have a theory why in my area there are so many ND and not many examples of other things. In the early 80s we had a several nights in a row well below zero and it wiped out all the teas and other warm weather roses that can do well here. ND is hardy a couple zones colder than most teas and it was still early in the general interest of Old Roses. I suspect many that were lost were unidentified and/or unavailable commercially even if you knew what they were. So they weren't for the most part replaced. But the ND lived on. As to why I have them by those doorways? We don't use those doors--they are mainly for show. A hallway is on the other side and stray cane blooming on the other side of the window is a pretty lovely thing to see as you walk down that hallway. An quite frankly it's a perennial garden and it's just not that big of a deal to whack it back when needed. And I can whack it back and not worry if I've hurt it feelings or if it's going to sulk. It can completely defoliate from rose slugs and a few weeks later be back in business. Considering all the temperamental, fragile, accident prone roses out there, there is always going to be a market for a robust one. Don't get me wrong there are things I don't like about it and since I bought them I've discovered other possibilities that might be as good or better and I've considered replacing them. But if I replace them it won't be because of their exuberance!

Nell, Great Post! Did you know that Vitex is an herb? It was anciently called the Chaste tree or Chasteberry tree. It was a well-known and popular herb used to treat "woman's complaints". Even today, it is used for increasing fertility and regulating menstrual cycles, and relieving PMS symptoms, such as headaches & mood swings. It's also good for pre-Menopausal and post Menopausal women. It works by acting upon the Pituitary gland, stimulating the production of hormones, both Progesterone and Estrogen. Rather than taking replacement therapy hormones, it stimulates your pituitary gland to signal your body to produce it's own hormones in the balance your body needs! It relieves hot flashes and regulates menstrual flow. Because of this, it can aid in conception, so is used for the treatment of infertility by Holistic practitioners. It's a great herb, as well as a beautiful Cottage shrub. I have a gazillion seeds I got in a trade from a sweet little gal in the Southwest, but just haven't gotten around to starting them. I didn't know that they grew that fast! It is on the recommendation list here in Oklahoma for Natural Habitat plants and trees. Like all herbs, it likes ample water, but good drainage. Don't plant it in wet, soggy areas. I had one at the back of my property in Louisiana where it was elevated from the rest of the property. It was huge and bore blue-violet flowers. I never did anything to it, but it bloomed every year. And just as several of you have stated, it was always right around the Fourth of July. How patriotic can you get! I didn't know they grew so easily from cuttings. Hmmmmm. There is a huge clump on an old abandoned homestead just up the highway about a mile from here. Maybe I can get a start going from that one. It is in bloom right now, just in time for Independence Day. ~Annie

What terrific pics, pianoman, hoovb and sachow! Intriguing! I wonder if my baby will ever look like that? And I wonder if it will be flexible enough to tie horizontally? I didn't realize it would get that tall and as it is in front of my front deck, I don't want it to get so tall either. I have Illusion planted in front of mine, and am still planning to get a cream or apricot colored rose to go next to Illusion. Hmmm...difficult to get the spacing right. Brandy