Old roses

[IgglePiggle]

Kiftsgate isn't a repeat flowrer. Have you looked up Rambling Rector?

Would that Rambling Rector be any good for going up a sycamore tree? Or through a metal fence? If so might get one

[BilboWaggins]

How about growing a clematis through a rambler - you could choose one that flowers after the rose has finished, so sort of takes over from it and extends the flowering period.

Sweepster . . . I've been thinking (words which usually send a chill through my husband!!)

If I run a Clematis through a Rambler rose surely I will cause myself all sorts of pruning problems? If I go for a late-flowering clematis aren't they the ones which want to be cut down to 6" each year? I can envisage that being a mite tricky if I don't want to mess up whatever growth the rose has made

[Sweepster]

Sweepster . . . I've been thinking (words which usually send a chill through my husband!!)

If I run a Clematis through a Rambler rose surely I will cause myself all sorts of pruning problems? If I go for a late-flowering clematis aren't they the ones which want to be cut down to 6" each year? I can envisage that being a mite tricky if I don't want to mess up whatever growth the rose has made

Hmmm... my book says that you can leave species clematis and some of the more vigorous hybrids unpruned, 'depending on the effect you want to create' - whatever that means! I think I would prune it by first cutting it to the appropriate length at the base, then cutting through the stems every foot or so, in order to then pull it away from the rose in small sections. (Well, it seems very straightforward in my imagination... )

Alternatively, you could try jasmine or a late flowering honeysuckle (I think 'Serotina' is one), or trachelospermum (star jasmine).

[bluemoon]

Well I ordered the catalogue, it arrived and I'm just so spoilt for choice I want ALL of them.