Mary, my Rubbermaids are 18 inches tall and at least 32 inches long. I like the taller boxes because some seasons I use larger hardwood. Also, I sometimes pot up newly rooted cuttings and then put the pots back in the box, right side up but with no top, for a couple of weeks to make sure they are making growth. The box traps heat, acts as a wind break, and provides protection from maurauding wabbits. They are called Rubbermaid Maxlatch. As I said, I don't root right in the box, altho others do. I use bands and turn the Rubbermaid box upside down over the top. That way there's a little leeway with drainage but still high humidity. The plants can go 4 days without watering, so it's lower maintenance and lower cost. If it get really hot, I can cover the box with shade cloth, and I can lift up the box and give the plants a spray without worrying about drowning them.

Awesome. I have them now "re-curing" in a much more aerated place... I harvested them early June. Planted them early last October. As far as I know, the harvest is right on time, maybe a little earlier (last year I was harvesting until the end of June, but I planted quite a variety). This year I planted nothing but Early White. Right when temps hit 95-100 degrees here, it starts to turn yellow pretty fast. And this summer, it has been anywhere from 98-103 every day since early June :( I'm in Central Texas.

Thanx - I'd just begun to hate the way mine looks - the last few weeks of drying cold wind has really done the dieback job. I just went out and cut 'er back. it was pretty clear where dieback was happeningon too-early growth, so I cut every stem back pretty hard. It was a volunteer anyway, and really become a monster. With most plants I wouldn't cut back more than a third, but not this hardy growback gem. btw, I only let one grow, and cut off all seed heads regularly as the Butterfly Bush is invasive in the Pacifc NW - I don't even trust variagated ones...as I've propagated plenty of stuff from hybrids. Dry stems, remove and compost seed, and consider removal of the plant before a new gardener takes over...unless they are also willing to be a voracious dead-header)

Frances, Too early is when the ground is still solidly frozen. You'll break your back and shovel both then. The second time, is when It is too early in the AM, as before sunrise, when the street lights are still on. In the dark you will need someone to hold your lantern or flashlight, and any early rising or shift working neighbors who might see you, could call the cops. All kidding aside, this is the ideal time to move roses, when they are dormant. Get your new location hole dug first. Then dig your rose, getting as much soil ball as you can. Do it carefully, and your rose in its new home will wake up like nothing happened, not skipping a beat. Treat it like any freshly planted rose bush. Backfill with light, fluffy soil and water in generously. You cannot fail. Moses