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Rambling rose growing up a tree

polbpolb Posts: 198
in Plants
Hi - I was thinking of planting a rambling rose to work its way up an old cracking willow tree. The only issue we have is that the ground below is hard to dig due to the roots. I could try to hack into the ground to make a space but I'm worried that this would damage the tree. Also how well would a rose do if it was competing with well established tree roots? Any thoughts / suggestions?

Thank you!

Posts

  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    Well, it would help to see a photo of the area in question, soil and all, otherwise it's difficult to advise really, as we don't know what you have to work with, but I once planted a Paul's Himalayan Musk to grow through a Willow tree, and it worked very well but I wouldn't recommend that rose today - there are better alternatives...
    East Anglia, England
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I have a Francis E Lester near to an ash tree ... my ambition for it is to clamber into the lower branches of the tree but the tree roots and consequent dry soil means that the rose has taken several years to get going despite lots of watering and mulching. 

    Investment in a seeper hose for the area a year ago means that the rose is now becoming more established and beginning to reach out. We have progress 😊 

    It is a lovely rose 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • polbpolb Posts: 198
    Hi, thanks both. I'll maybe have a dig around to see how the soil is near to where I hope to plant a rose. I found this rose - https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/the-pilgrim-climbing-rose which says it is suitable for poor soil. I'll see if I can get a photo although I don't think you'll get much from a picture. Its just an old willow growing within grass on a slope. :)
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