Talk me into or out of planting this...I can't make up my mind

15 years ago

I bought a John Davis Explorer rose (perfectly hardy up here and vigorous) with the intention of training up the chimney.

Problem is, I have to rig a set-up (have to drill holes in the brick, put in anchors/screw hooks, string wire). And right now I just don't feel like it, to be honest.

Another problem is that in order for this rose to thrive where I put it I will have to remember to water it often, the soil is on the drier side in this locale. Which is a problem because it's on the side of the house I don't frequent often and can't see it out the window, and I know myself and know I'm going to forget. I have other plants in the area that perform beautifully (zebra grass, lavendar, catmint, sedum), so no big deal if I don't water often (which I don't).

On the other hand, this is a big, wide, white chimney and would look fantastic with a vigorous climbing rose trained up it - it has the potential to be one of those "knock your socks off" displays, and this locale is seemingly begging for a climber.

So, what would you do? I honestly can't decide, I keep flip-flopping.

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Comments (6)

schoolhouse_gw
15 years ago
If you want it bad enough, you'll go for it. That's what I always say before I start a big project. When there's love involved, you'll do anything to keep it alive - even a rose.
mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
15 years ago
Well, what I would do is find another home for the John Davis, and plan on putting a grafted Quadra there. My experience with John Davis is that it isn't really up for that job. It's a nice rose, but not overly vigorous or showy. More of a polite, next to the front door rose that does appreciate extra food and water.
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ostrich
15 years ago
Oh, if you ask me, I would NOT do it. I only choose plants that are not high-maintenace these days and so if I need to make a special point to water it often in a location that is not convenient, then forget about it. Usually, there is a substitute that will be just as good looking and much less maintenance... just my humble opinion.
sergeantcuff
15 years ago
Sometimes it's amusing to try plants in different spots to see how they do. Will you be upset if you try this and the rose fails to thrive? Then I wouldn't bother.
Personally, I'd give it a try - it could look amazing. I am not familiar with this rose, but I'm sure MadGallica has given you good advice in that regard.
nancyd
15 years ago
Personally I wouldn't do it. The watering wouldn't necessarily bother me, but I wouldn't screw holes in my chimney to begin with. I change my mind a lot (I hate plant commitment), so I'd use a large obelisk or trellis first - and then see what I thought.
mxk3 z5b_MI
Original Author
15 years ago
Well, I decided against it today. I just don't want to be bothered, truthfully. I ended up getting an Echinops instead, which gets around 4' or so, which will give some height to the area, plus it won't matter one bit regarding lack of watering.

Now I need to find a home for the John Davis....my sister gets a lot of my hand-offs, hopefully she'll have room for another.

Talk me into or out of planting this...I can't make up my mind

Comments (6)

schoolhouse_gw

mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)

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ostrich

sergeantcuff

nancyd

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Talk me into or out of planting this...I can't make up my mind

Comments (6)

schoolhouse_gw

mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)

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ostrich

sergeantcuff

nancyd

mxk3 z5b_MIOriginal Author

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mxk3 z5b_MI
Original Author