I’ve seen LC grown as a shrub in Tyler Texas 8B, kept down to about 5 ft, (where it’d be 12+ ft left on its own). It does flower mostly at the top, sort of a similar effect to a grandiflora like Queen Elizabeth. LC produces long strong stems, so you’d probably need to be judicious about cutting down more than usual after each flush. But it’s self-supporting , well branched and repeats, so I’d go for it. I agree it’s a wonderful and unique rose, there is no substitute.

I found a pic of the plant

This is after a flush , but you get the idea of how it’d grow

Wow! Thank you, Ben. After your description, I was really wanting to see a photo, so I’m glad that you shared that one. It looks like it can work pretty well as a shrub! Also, just out of curiosity, when LC is trained as a climber, are the canes flexible enough to be trained semi-horizontally on a trellis? Or are they too stiff?

Desert, thanks for posting the question. I am also interested in LC growth habit. I ordered one in Regan and it is coming in spring, after seeing Ben’s photo previously. It is so beautiful . I haven’t decided whether to grow it as a shrub or climber. I thought about training it on the railing at the front door, but heard it was very stiff and thorny.

The color varies. The scent is strong. I don't find it very thorny. It has pretty good health and good vigor. I think it would work to grow it as a shrub since it's sturdy. It really reminds me of Blue For You but more double and more vigorous what with the white reverses and good scent and good health. One person told me it's bs prone in their garden. I bought three of them as grafted body bag plants from Walmart.

Sets hips.

Erasmus: Thanks for your observation about the similarities between Lavender Crush and Blue for You—another rose that I need (but can’t, at the moment, find). I think Heirloom Roses will have it again at some point. I take a new photo of Blue for You every time I visit the Huntington Gardens, as it’s always a slightly different incredible color. Here it is being very blue last week.

Wowza, Ben! Those are great pics, Desert. Blue For You does have very variable colors.

Yes, wowza, Ben! It sure would be nice to grow Lavender Crush in its full glory. So fanning the canes out horizontally works beautifully if you have a really big space, but since I don’t, I’m wondering if the canes are flexible enough to snake and criss-cross up a ~4-foot-wide trellis at ~45 degree angles. That could maybe be an alternative to the shrub approach in the space that I have. The shrub approach seems to work reasonably well, but I think it wouldn’t allow for lateral breaks to maximize blooms?

Desert Rose

I’m afraid LC isn’t very ’snakey’ at all, and she won’t be doing any weaving! I think your term is perfect for what you’re trying to accomplish, but she just won’t.. Her laterals are big and stiff, so I still think your idea of a tall cropped shrub would be better in limited space.

Erasmus,

Thank you, I know how beautiful and lush your roses look. I think I got LC before everyone else so my plant had more time to mature.

Thanks, Ben. This is super helpful information. Time to add some heavy duty pruners to my Christmas list!