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David Austin - Summer Song

Ever hopefulEver hopeful Posts: 29
in Problem solving
Hi gardeners - any suggestions regarding drooping heads, both buds and blooms? Otherwise does well albeit with a climbing habit rather than traditional shrub. It's in a large pot with open, airy support for climbing. I've done some research which suggests that this a) maybe typical for some DA varieties b) may be due to too much sun/heat and/or c) may be due to lack of water? I have noticed that after this mornings torrential rain the buds seem to have righted themselves so I suppose that maybe I've found my own answer. However your input/experience is welcomed. 

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  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I find it sometimes takes 2 or 3 years for a David Austin rose to settle down and grow well.   I now tend to plant them in pots so they can develop their root systems before I put them out in the borders.   This does mean you have to vigilant with feeding and especially watering if you don't want them to struggle or stress.

    For any plant being kept permanently in pots you need the biggest pot you can afford, th ebest compost/growing medium for that plant (not multi-purpose) and an annual top dressing with fresh compost and some slow release fertiliser as well as regular liquid feeds between waterings.  Rain water on its own is not enough.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Ever hopefulEver hopeful Posts: 29
    Great, thanks for the advice. Seems to be doing ok at the moment.
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