Ah, I can see I was not as clear as I had hoped... Seed provenance refers to the specified area in which plants that produced seed are located or were derived. Local provenancing is a position maintained by ecologists that suggests that seeds should be planted of local provenance only. The idea is that within species variability reflects adaptation to the local environment. IOW, not simply 'species X performs best here' (how I read your quoted statements), but species X trees from location Y are adapted to that site and have different characteristics than species X trees from location Z'. I brought this up because I think it's a very interesting phenomenon. I suppose it's a bit off topic if the question is 'Will this particular specimen put on more growth when grown somewhere with a longer growing season.' But it is relevant if you're asking 'why does species X put on more annual growth down south'? The implication is, it's not because they're grown down south but because the local population is adapted to a longer warm season, and such individuals will exhibit a longer growing season wherever they're grown. In other words, it's not so much the environment per se but the intrinsic genetics of the local sub-species population that causes the longer growing season. That's the idea anyway. This post was edited by maple_grove on Tue, Apr 16, 13 at 15:20

I don't like the looks of the lower portion of that cane the green ones grow from. A suggestion! If the rose looks like it is recovering and begins to sprout new growth, consider planting it deeper with much of the green canes covered with soil. That portion of the green canes under the soil may sprout roots. This may give you a healthier new bush on it's own roots. The older damaged portion will not be a factor anymore as the roots will be above it. I have salvaged sick looking older roses that looked like they were jusy getting by with this method. I place it in a deep pot and cover all but the growing tips with potting soil. Watering with dilute fish emulsion seems to help it along. It takes a year or so if it works, but all I have is time and I'm not out anything but a little potting soil. The new recovered plant seems healthier and grows better. Eventually the old portion can be removed.

I had similar experiences. Like Seil I had a hard winter, lots of dieback, too much rain and cloud cover, so much BS, but some spurts of great roses blooming. Sara, last year I had more roses and could cut a bouquet whenever, not this year, about 1/3 less blooms. However, right now the bushes are looking good with chance of frost tonight. I plan on cutting this evening! I do think I had more fun growing and enjoying my roses this year than in the past.

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