John, an HRG member in Scotland, has sent in an inspiring footnote to our post on much-loved Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’ – showing what this stalwart rose can do to surprise us, even after many years.
John writes:
“I was pleased to see the recent HRG tribute to the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose. Although perhaps so successful an introduction that it became almost commonplace, there is no doubt that it is still a fine rose and a great survivor. “The bush planted in my father’s garden shortly after its introduction grew there for more than 60 years and I still have the cutting I took in the early 90s. However, in my garden that cutting simply sulked and refused to grow, remaining just a single thin stick. Producing no more than half a dozen blooms in all that time is hardly an outstanding record. Perhaps it considered that there was insufficient enthusiasm for the monarchy on my part.
“However, the HRG reference spurred me to try to do something about it, so I dug it up and moved it to a new location. It wasn’t difficult as it hadn’t made very much root in its 25 years’ residence. I included some mycorrhizal fungus granules on the bit of root and in the bottom of its new hole, along with some bone meal in the hope that I might perk it up – admittedly to bring to mind my father and his garden rather more than the coronation. I also chopped its stick back to about six inches from the ground and noticed this morning that there are now three growth buds developing at the base that weren’t there before, so maybe it will flourish after all. A tribute perhaps to its longevity, and of course the power of a mention on the HRG website.”
Congratulations John – do keep us updated on the regal progress!