On Fri, 30 Apr 2004 12:52:08 GMT, Charles Perry
wrote:



Sharon Capps wrote:

I am going to plant Henry Kelsey by my chain link fence and would like to
know how far away from the fence to plant. Are these fast growers or do
they take several years to bloom.

I planted some climbers along my back fence about 18 inches from
the fence. I would not put them any closer if you have the
option.

Henry Kelsey should bloom the first year. However, here in MN it
takes a few years to grow enough wood to have an impressive
display. Henry Kelsey grew faster than John Davis, but not as
fast as William Baffin in terms of producing wood in the first
years after planting.

Regards,

Charles

I planted my Old Blush climber right next to the fence (a four
footer). I did it on a side that had a sidewalk within a foot of the
fence and I wanted to reserve the other side for a possible garden.

Didn't seem to worry it any. In fact, it's now overtaking the garden
that I had on the other side. I'm going to have to move some stuff
after this season is over and that's going to be tough because the Old
Blush forms a canopy all on its own.

Most climbers are pretty swift growers. I don't know about Kelsey, but
Old Blush now has a spread of 35 feet from end to end after 3 full
seasons. I'm in zone 6b and the zone can make a difference as well.

The thing to remember is that you shouldn't prune these climbers very
much. You can trim dead wood or take out a few unproducing canes, but
for the most part **Don't Touch It!**

I centered Old Blush on the fence and let it spread both ways. I did
some weaving in between the links and also on the top spines that
stick out, but I didn't tie anything. Now it just grows on itself
anyway.

Here are a couple o' pics:

http://www.pbase.com/image/28458933
http://www.pbase.com/image/28459197