Very kind of you @thevictorian, although not strictly accurate! I think it's down to several factors though - as is often the case. Quality of soil and other planting etc. Montanas don't like heavier, wetter soil, as they're the same 'type' in that regard as the other early ones, which like poorer conditions. Different from the bigger flowered types. We see them right up against house walls here which is ideal, as it's a bit drier there. Passed a nice one today. I had one in a previous garden - again, right up against the south facing wall at the back door, with other planting around it [including another climber- a rose] and it was excellent every year once established. Trained along the adjacent fence and over a little pergola 'entrance'. I probably didn't have a clue as to what conditions were best for them at that time, but it's a common sight here [against walls] as well as growing over sheds and through trees, which is their ideal habit
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks for all your great advice. I think I will leave it to see what happens. This is a closer picture of what it’s looking like. Although in some areas no growth at all
Personally l don't think you've anything to lose by cutting it back now. I was looking at photos of my Montana from last year and it was covered in flowers almost top to bottom, this year the flowers (such as they are) are all near the base. I cut a load of dead stuff off and it's shooting away well .
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I think it's down to several factors though - as is often the case. Quality of soil and other planting etc.
Montanas don't like heavier, wetter soil, as they're the same 'type' in that regard as the other early ones, which like poorer conditions. Different from the bigger flowered types.
We see them right up against house walls here which is ideal, as it's a bit drier there. Passed a nice one today.
I had one in a previous garden - again, right up against the south facing wall at the back door, with other planting around it [including another climber- a rose] and it was excellent every year once established. Trained along the adjacent fence and over a little pergola 'entrance'. I probably didn't have a clue as to what conditions were best for them at that time, but it's a common sight here [against walls] as well as growing over sheds and through trees, which is their ideal habit
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I was looking at photos of my Montana from last year and it was covered in flowers almost top to bottom, this year the flowers (such as they are) are all near the base. I cut a load of dead stuff off and it's shooting away well