Planting roses under overhanging branches?

Nollie

I have three Mme. Hardy roses which I plan to plant under partly dappled shade of overhanging evergreen Spanish oak tree branches. The trees are on a higher terrace, 2-3m above, so no problem with roots underneath or competition for water or nutrients. The roses will face south, so should get sufficient sun.

However, I recently read that you should never plant roses under overhanging branches because of something called ‘toxic drip’ from the leaves (this was on an English rose seller’s site). I’m puzzled by this, does it refer to something dripping from the leaves after rain?

DA also say don’t plant under overhanging branches, but how does that work when they also recommend rambling roses to grow through trees?

Confused of Catalunya!

Lizzie27

I've got 3 DA roses under a very tall Norwegian maple, sandwiched between two box hedges. I was told they wouldn't survive but 5 years later, they are looking good. I do coddle them though. The toxic drip referred to is probably the sticky sap which drips from some trees (usually in SM carparks!) but I can't remember which variety I'm afraid. If your Spanish oak doesn't do this, I think you'd be okay with your roses.

Nollie

Ah, thanks for the reassurance, I was afraid my plan was about to be scuppered! Is it Lime trees, maybe? I can’t remember either, but there is certainly something that drips horrible sap on your car if you park underneath it. Perhaps its a blanket get-out clause by the rose growers to say ‘never plant roses under overhanging branches’...