Why would I pull out the best-performing rose I’ve ever grown? The answer is simple: I don’t have the space to allow a plant that performs – albeit magnificently – only for a few weeks per season to remain in a prominent position. Especially when my garden is widely viewed during those months when it is not as active.
Goodbye, David Austin Lady of Shalott. Hello, mix of mid- and late-season perennials of some easy-care type.
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter as much. A tall hardy hibiscus I have doesn’t even start to bloom until early September, but it’s a nice bushy background plant for earlier bloomers and it performs at a time when I really need color.
And then there are the plants that pump it out for weeks and weeks. Rudbeckia is among them, both tall (above, lacianata ‘Golden Glow’) and short (below, triloba, maybe? I got it from a native plant nursery and don’t remember). I know that Susan thoroughly examined the “beneficial or non” aspects of this plant – I’ll just say that I notice plenty of bee action on the ‘Golden Glow.’
(I’ve got plenty for pollinators in my garden. If they’re going to get all picky, that’s their problem.)
There’s no way either of the Rudbeckia can compete with Lady of Shalott looks-wise, in my view. They lack the complexity or the subtlety. But I’ll keep them – though not planting more – and get rid of the rose.
Another much-beloved rose, Austin’s Abraham Darby – the scent! The form! – simply disappeared. I cut down the dead branches, but allowed the base of the plant to remain; it provides some support for other plants that have taken over its spot.
I am not blaming the David Austin brand for this or saying they can’t survive in my zone. I just don’t have adequate sun for them to thrive as they should and – maybe – flower better. Many people in my area do very well with these, but I have to reluctantly say that this type of rose is not right for my garden. And I won’t accept the free-blooming landscape types. Or even use their name.
Fall is the time to make these decisions and get a head start on the new plan.
Your ‘Lady of Shallot’ rose bush is stunningly beautiful and perfectly complements the salmon colored brick of your historic house.
If this were my property, the “Lady”would stay and be admired for her gorgeous blooms no matter how short their duration.
If constant color is required, I’d underplant the rose bush with long-blooming annual flowers such as Angelonia or Torenia and ban the garish gold Rudbeckias that clash with the lovely color of your dwelling. A low growing, re-blooming Nepeta, such as ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ or even a soft, silvery Lambs Ears would be lovely.
In my opinion, a garden’s color scheme should enhance the architecture of the house, not clash with it.
Well, de gustibus etc. I actually like the yellow with the house. Or at least it doesn’t bother me.
Beauty is indeed in the “eye of the beholder”. Plant what makes you happy!
I also think the yellow looks fine with the house. But if you want both colors, yet want a longer-blooming rose, you could consider the coral version of the rose-that-shall-not-be-named. It’s darker than your David Austen, but could be a good bridge between the peachy orange that one offers and the bolder register of the Rudbeckias. Come to the dark side.
You are a brave gardener! It is tough to make a call like your decision to remove the rose, but our gardens evolve with us; that is part of the joy and discovery of being a gardener. It will be fun to see what you plant next!
The rose bush can surely be given a hard pruning after its bloom. That wiil calm your irritation about the space it takes up. But you can also then contemplate which perennials will have their later moment in the same vicinity. Russian sage, perhaps?
Austen roses were once known to be miffy – that was a long time ago. When they would recommend you planted three together. (!) (Truly) I imagine they are not all wonderful. Have they developed a reputation that all are great now?
They are very good performers for many gardeners I know and for me (the ones I have), except for not blooming (full-on) from June through September, which one would hardly expect. They do like to grow quite tall, whether labeled climbers or not. I can’t speak for all the varieties.
I must admit I am aghast that you removed that rose. It truly was smashing with the brick. Re: the other roses that shall not be named, I think I inadvertently insulted a gardening acquaintance when I referred to them as “the clip-on ties of the Rose World.”
I used to turn up my nose at “gas station roses” too. But then I worked with a landscape architect who used swathes of them outside the Watergate complex, thoughtfully mixed at a ratio of 70% double red to 30% blush, underplanted with Nepeta. At that scale, with that backdrop, mixed like that, it was really quite lovely.
I’ve also seen the blush one used well in traditional mixed ornamental beds in residential settings. The flower shape certainly isn’t as eye-catching as a David Austen, but it’s still a nice little rose, and it contributes non-garish color on a non-skeletal plant for months at a time. That’s more than most flowering shrubs can offer, roses or not.
I would sprinkle a handful of the blush ones throughout my own garden, if my neighborhood weren’t infested with Rose Rosette Disease. 🙁
I agree 100% with “Garden Granny” regarding the lovely rose. I’ll bet you’ll regret omitting it and trading that other stuff. Go on, just buy another one just like it!
Ridiculous
I say go for it! You only live once. It’s your garden. I am of the same mind as you.
As a conifer enthusiast I would say if the plant or tree no longer pleases nor serves you remove it. I’ve removed many in my gardening years. John
Your rose to me looks magnificent Gardeners who hate the barrenness of one time bloomers often plant a long blooming type clematis to fill in. Don’t worry about root competition, it’s a myth. Or, maybe you have an envious neighbor who you could give it to.
I hope you offered it to someone.
What a timely rant! In the past few weeks I’ve come to the conclusion that, as much as I love roses, I simply don’t love (or even like) growing them, so this fall they’ll all be coming out, with a couple of exceptions.
“When in doubt, rip it out” is usually my motto, but I must admit that I am smitten by your ‘Lady of Shallot.’ I, like Kathleen Introne, would be tempted to grow a delicate clematis over her before kicking her to the curb. Do whatever gives you joy.
When I lived in Nashville in the eighties and nineties I grew some Austin roses. I expected season long bloom from “Graham Thomas”. It bloomed once, then exploded into multiple twelve foot non blooming canes.
By the time I moved back to New England, roses were disappearing, ripped out because of the Rose Plague- Rose rosette disease.
I’m with you on getting rid of plants that dont offer more, throughout the growing season. Roses for me are just too much work. They always have some bug or disease that needs to be addressed. I’m currently whittling down my daylilies because they are just a one and done plant. They’re taking up valuable space that I can plant something that offer longer seasonal interest.
I’ll give you my complete support for removing that rose. It’s a gorgeous plant, sure, but if your space isn’t ideal for it – for whatever reason – then it’s just not ideal. It is what it is. I tried growing a “Lady of Shallot” years and years ago, but quickly learned that it’s not ideal for my space either. And I loved that thing. But, I called it a day, and now, instead of growing roses, I grow hydrangeas of all types, anise hyssops, black cohosh, goatsbeard, cardinal flowers and thousands of other lovely, gorgeous plants that perform wonderfully; I really don’t miss those roses at all. You find stuff that works for you.
(And I love your flower beds. I’ll always love a good happy yellow flower!)
Hi Elizabeth
It’s difficult and challenging moving and removing plants. But it needs to be pleasant to your eye and balance color and texture during our short season. I had removed a big section of my back garden a few weeks ago. And I’m excited about planting for next season. If you throw out your rose, I’d love a cutting. It’s very pretty and I’m adding more roses to my back yard. I hope you’ll had a great summer.