Re: Hall of Fame Roses

by Simon on 12th June 2010, 5:56 pm

A third vote for 'Children's Rose'... I pruned mine back today and was amazed at how strong and well shaped it is... just a small tidy up... nothing drastic... great big hips on her too... might have to see what she can breed next season.

by Ozeboy on 13th June 2010, 8:01 pm

I have been growing 'Fire Fighter ' for some time and have found two weaknesses.

First is no hips, and second is very slow growth. Swanes have it in the garden and during the past 6 months hasn't grown at all but the Dr Huey understock looks quite old. Perhaps it needs a course of steroids or something like the ones they had in 12" pots.

I have propagated it for myself only on Multiflora and growth seems to be the same. A plant of Sylvia grafted at the same time and growing next to it is 3 times taller with 3 times as many canes.

FF is a beautiful rose bloom with most fantastic fragrance but growth is very slow. I also want some hips to breed it to a Tea.

by Simon on 21st June 2010, 9:23 pm

Bruce, is 'Fire Fighter's growth slow because it builds up a twiggy bush, like a Tea', instead of long canes like most HT? Or is it just slow?