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Initial post
17 AUG 21
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* This post deleted by user *
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Reply
#1 of 5 posted
17 AUG 21 by
 Johno
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Despite HMF description of 31 - 39 inches Charlene will with ease reach the 6 foot mark in warm climates. At this stage the advice is to reduce the height by about a half now (1 metre). This will encourage lateral growth but of more importance new water shoots for a rose in its first year. If you are subject to strong winds remember to stake any new water shoots that emerge from the crown, For me Charlene eventually settled down and proved to be a very rewarding rose.
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Thanks, John! I am glad to hear that your Charlene has been rewarding. Last month, I cut about 1 ft off the top of that main cane, and instead of growing laterally, it shot up even taller than it was before! How tall do you keep your plant? I will definitely remove the 3 ft from the height as you suggested. Also, I forgot to mention that mine is on Fortuniana rootstock, since it is resistant to the nematodes in typical S Florida sandy soil.
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#4 of 5 posted
18 AUG 21 by
Johno
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I would not have thought the Fortuniana rootstock, which is ideal for sandy soils, is the cause for the tall growth. I assume my rose is on Dr Huey. At the moment all the plant’s energy is going into the one shoot, and additional water shoots is the goal. Checking on Charlene, my three year old plant now has four stems and a new shoot is developing. The winter pruning has just finished and the rose stems were reduced to around 18 inches. I expect it will grow back to the 4 – 5 foot mark by the end of the growing season.
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Most likely the main reason for the ultra vigorous growth in this rose are the Graham Thomas genes. GT grew as a monstrous climber in Zones 9b and 10a SoCal for me in several locations with multiple plants. Where the climate doesn't limit it, the plant is indeterminate, like a tomato determined to eat the world. I learned from experience to avoid that rose and EVERYTHING bred from it unless you have barns you wish to slip cover.
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#6 of 5 posted
2 NOV 21 by
Johno
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There is no doubt that Graham Thomas out grows its shrub status, making it a good pillar rose here.
I could not forego the beauty of GT and Princess Charlene (+ Fragrance) because they grow tall in a warm climate. My PC seems to have settled for a lower height this season, partly, I think, because I have encouraged all the shoots to grow.
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Thanks, John! I am glad to hear that your Charlene has been rewarding. Last month, I cut about 1 ft off the top of that main cane, and instead of growing laterally, it shot up even taller than it was before! How tall do you keep your plant? I will definitely remove the 3 ft from the height as you suggested. Also, I forgot to mention that mine is on Fortuniana rootstock, since it is resistant to the nematodes in typical S Florida sandy soil.
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Hello all, I planted Charlene de Monaco 6 months ago in a garden area which receives 7 hours of afternoon sun. I am in zone 10B south Florida, USA. The main,central cane of the rose is now 77 inches tall, but without lateral growth. There have been only 3 blooms, but not all at once, and I removed the last bud before it opened, since the plant was only 5 months old. The blooms are intensely fragrant, with a beautiful chalice form. When the autumn comes I will reduce the height of the central cane by 2 ft, hoping that this encourages lateral growth. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.
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