I have one PJP II that I put in this spring also -- because of fragrancenut's praise for it. Here in Michigan, I went for a grafted on Dr Huey (Edmund's), but I'd love to find one on multiflora. I noticed that RU has it own root. On the whole, hybrid teas own root just don't build up here in MI, so I haven't been tempted. Mine is spotted, but not too bad. I don't spray. We will see how it does next year. I do like its vigor though! Three flushes so far.

Sunny

Rosesmi,

Continued success with your PJP II, is my wish for you.

Moses

Moses do you have any updates on PJP? I planted a grafted Sugar Moon, and if for some reason it doesn't work out, I'd like another big white rose. (Maybe even if it does.) How did it come through winter?

Witchy,

Yes, I do, and it's good news!

But first, how I wish I had given my Sugar Moon more time. It was painfully slow establishing own root, and got shovel pruned way to soon...impulsive of me. However, when it gets its second chance I plan to get it grafted. The bloom to me is other-worldly beautiful, even with the stamens showing fully open. Then there's the incredible scent.

I now have two PJP II, both grafted. My first one, now starting its second year, came through winter remarkably well. It was heavily winterized, and was cane hardy to 10". For me I expect it to never get over 30" tall at maturity in a couple more years, and is rather spreading, but the canes are very vertical. The crown is broad which spreads the bush out, the best kind of crown for a long lived bush. Right now the sepals are drooping. I expect the fat blooms to be exhibition stage within 5 days. It got about 18-20" tall at last year's season's end.

My second PJP II, planted this spring has pea sized green buds right now, growing very nicely.

I would expect an own root PJP II to peter out here. I believe it needs to be grafted up north, but I still do not expect it to get 4-5' tall, but I am very OK with a bush half that height.

PJP II is vigorous and cycles very quickly. Its blackspot resistance is just about typical hybrid tea like. It spotted a bit later last fall when I slacked off spraying. I do not think it will completely defoliate here like unsprayed minis will by mid-July, but I cannot truly say so. I try to spray pretty regularly, but have some short lapses occassionally. When I miss a spray, it is often three weeks since the last spray, and it shows.

I have two three year old Beverlys and a three year old Pink Enchantment, all three own root. They are starting their 4th. year now. They all have died to the ground every winter. I even heavily winterized Beverly every winter. Pink Enchantment got no protection this past winter on the assumption it is winter hardy enough by its age now, and being an ADR winner.

PJP II is twice as big as those three right now. I think grafted makes the difference, but Pink Enchantment should be winter hardy without protection being ADR, don't you think so?

I like Beverly's quick repeat, really quick, but right now it and PE are just about as big as they were three years ago. BEV. and PE will be replaced next spring, possibly with grafted versions or with something else.

Witchy, if you get Pope John Paul II, make sure you get it grafted, and plant the graft union at 4" below soil level. I also recommend heavy winterization to get maximum performance. If you don't spray expect blackspot, but how severe I cannot say.

Moses

Thanks Moses! I do spray anything I know is prone to it. I just planted Beverly and Pink Enchantment. I'll hope for a better winter this year. I feel better about the grafted Sugar Moon now.