Planting my first roses. The David Austin customer service line has been down for weeks, and they have not responded to email. Could anyone with experience please give me advice? Much appreciated!!
I purchased 3 generous gardener roses (in 3 gallon pots) from a local garden center. I was originally planning to grow them as a freestanding shrub wall as I had read that shrub form would be 4' wide x6' tall. Further reading has made me question whether this variety is suitable as a shrub or whether it is a climber only.
I am on Cape cod Massachusetts, zone 7a, the location is an open area on a hilltop with full sun (not against a house or fence etc, and sometimes rather windy. I would like to plant for privacy in a front/side yard.
Can this rose be grown as a freestanding shrub? Or would it bloom less as a shrub/have a messy form/ be too susceptible to wind damage?
Are the canes suitable for pegging or too rigid? Would pegging the canes help prevent wind damage? What would be the height of the shrubs if pegged?
The website says these roses should be grown on a 10' wall. If I build a freestanding trellis it would be only be 5-6' tall, what would be the consequence of growing on a shorter structure than the recommended 10'?
I could build a freestanding trellis using 4"x4"x8' pressure treated pine posts (6' above ground) and either : cattle fencing, copper tubing, or 1"x2" cedar for the grid - which is best?
How much trellis width should I provide per plant for full coverage, and how far apart should I plant the roses on the trellis if the trellis is only 5-6' tall?
I may also do one wooden obelisk (4 sided, triangle shaped, 6'-8' above ground). Would this be a reasonable size for this rose? Would one rose bush cover the obelisk, or 2, or all 3?
I really appreciate your time, and your help. Thank you!