Rose Blackboy Climbing

• Climbing rose variety bred to thrive in Australian conditions with excellent heat and drought tolerance once established. Produces multiple flushes of blooms from spring through to autumn.
• Named after the iconic Australian grass tree (Xanthorrhoea), reflecting its robust nature and connection to the Australian landscape. Features strong, flexible canes that easily train over structures.
• Beloved by gardeners for creating dramatic vertical displays with minimal ground space requirements. Attracts beneficial insects and provides excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
• Develops into a substantial climber reaching impressive heights while maintaining healthy foliage from ground to top.

• Water deeply twice weekly during growing season, daily in summer heat, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once weekly or less.
• Plant in full sun location with minimum 6 hours direct sunlight for optimal flowering and disease prevention. Protect from strong afternoon winds in exposed positions.
• Use well-draining soil enriched with compost and aged manure, maintaining slightly acidic to neutral pH. Mulch heavily around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Feed monthly during growing season with rose-specific fertiliser high in potassium for flower production. Apply Epsom salts quarterly to prevent magnesium deficiency.
• Prune in late winter removing dead, diseased and weak wood, then shape as needed. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Install sturdy supports before planting and tie in new growth regularly using soft ties. Train main canes horizontally to promote more flowering shoots.

• Provide full sun with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best flowering and disease resistance. Morning sun is particularly important for drying dew from leaves.
• Water deeply twice weekly during growing season, increasing to daily during hot Australian summers. Apply water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
• Install strong support structures before planting as mature climbers become quite heavy. Train new growth horizontally to encourage more flowering shoots along the length.
• Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the plant. Tie in new growth regularly throughout the growing season to maintain desired form.

• Aphids cluster on new growth and buds - spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap early morning or evening. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds for natural control.
• Black spot appears as dark spots on leaves during humid weather - ensure good air circulation and water at soil level. Remove affected leaves promptly and apply copper fungicide if severe.
• Spider mites cause fine webbing and yellowing leaves in hot, dry conditions - increase humidity around plant and spray with neem oil. Avoid overhead watering during heat waves.
• Powdery mildew creates white coating on leaves - improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage when watering. Apply milk spray solution or sulphur-based fungicide.