Comparing Julia Child varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Julia Child family and have some observations to share. repeat-flowering over a long season varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — deep watering at the base rather than overhead applies across all of them.

aphid infestations on new growth affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a sunny south-facing garden border which works well for most varieties. hips forming in autumn for wildlife interest is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.