ARRGH !! Your review came too late. I should had bought this instead of THORNY POLKA climber (received recently). I don't know much about Fragrant Plum's vigor as own-root, or what type of soil is best. Wonder why Fragrant Plum has a stingy reputation?? I'm disappointed with own root Barbara Streisand being the biggest water-hog ever, and the color is grayish purple (depressive). Magenta is a nice cheerful color !!
Mine is still in a pot because I wasn't sure on the color. It has a darker edging which is pretty and is good in the vase. I don't use potting soil to see if it will like my sandy soil and so far, so good. But it might like your moister clay as I didn't start getting the constant blooms until I really upped the water (daily). That could be because of immaturity though.
If I had known you sooner, I would not buy own-root Lagerfeld. Its floppiness & fading was right smack in front of my window, a real-eye-sore. Last week I moved Lagerfeld UP hill in loamy soil & only 4 hours of sun .. AND IT IMPROVED: canes are more upright due to faster water-uptake in loamy soil. I hope to get horse manure today to see if it helps Lagerfeld with darker blue.
My Lagerfeld blooms were unattractive in high heat until very recently. We just had a "cold" front because of the hurricane with lots of rain and Lagerfeld is much darker in the cooler temperatures. But still a smaller bloom than spring. Own-root sandy soil, planted and in pots, older and also new this year, all behaving the same.
Yes, I notice the same, Lagerfeld in only 4 hours of sun has a "darker-fringe" in its bud in present cooler temp., compared to almost white in full sun.
I am looking for a (fragrant) purple rose in my zone 6 garden, and thought I had decided on Fragrant Plum, but now I'm thinking it may not survive our harsh winters. Anyone have this in zone 6? Is there something similar that I could get instead? Ty
I love this rose, but have lost it three times now to a late spring freeze after spring growth had long been in process. It survived a very cold winter this year (unprotected), so it's not all that cold sensitive. When I replace it, I'll definitely remember to spring protect.
