And the ugly brug became.............

Bertie the beautiful!!!!

 

I'm so chuffed!! This is the first one ive grown and the scent is amazing. I wouldve preferred him to be tall rather than shrub-like but hey, he is handsome as heck dont u think

 

And so you should be chuffed Averil - it's fine specimen you have there - well done!

 

Thanks Anne Im very pleased with him

 

Stunning specimen Averil, well done

 

Well done Averil - thats a lovely colour.

Being short, I assume yours was from a cutting. Plants from seed don't usually flower till 5 or 6 feet. It will be taller next year - but what I would like to try with a cutting is to train it as a standard. ie cut off all the side branches to keep one stem - till it reaches the height you want - then let it branch out.

Another way that I have tried this year with some success, is to elevate the plant. Either elevate the pot, or in my case, I planted some out in a raised bed (about 2 feet high).

 

Thanks Bilbo
Peter, yes it was a cutting I got from ebay. As you say I am going to take some cuttings before i put him to bed and I will take a couple of long ones and see how I get on with it. Im just hoping I can overwinter him okay