Experienced grower's notes on Mr. Lincoln

I've been growing plants seriously for over fifteen years and Mr. Lincoln remains a reliable favourite. For anyone starting out: the most critical thing is applying rose-specific granular fertiliser in early spring. Everything else follows from that.

black spot fungal disease on the leaves is the challenge that trips up most beginners and some experienced growers too. I've been growing mine in a cottage garden mixed planting with lavender for three seasons now and the results are consistently good. strong disease-resistant root stock is what makes it worth coming back to year after year. hips forming in autumn for wildlife interest is when I show it off — it earns its place fully then.