Rose Reine Victoria

Joy*

I have two Rosa Reine Victoria, planted last autumn. The growth is very thin and floppy so I have been forced to put some canes in so that the flowers are kept off the ground. They look healthy and they have clusters of highly perfumed flowers but they appear to be too heavy for the growth to support. Is this normal for this variety? Has anyone any suggestions as to what I can do so that we can enjoy the flowers? I staked them up before the bad weather arrived and believe that they would have been completely flattened had they been left to their own devices. At present they look a very untidy mess.

amancalledgeorge

I wouldn't worry too much, roses take at least a couple or maybe three years to build full cane strength and be less floppy. Especially if it's a very floriferous variety. Keep supporting them and when you prune them next year by a third, it will help build more strength.

Joy*

Thank you. Since the flowers faded, there is some stronger shoots. Apparently it doesn't repeat flower sadly, but if it puts its energy into more robust growth instead, it will be a bonus. 

Marlorena

..yes very typical for this rose until it's more established.. expect 6 foot or so in the longer term... and it does repeat bloom right into October... on those fresh shoots it's sending up...

Joy*

Thank you Marlorena. It will be lovely if it produces more flowers and if it makes 6 feet so much the better. The 2 shoots must be about 4 feet tall now so she is obviously doing nicely.