Gift that became an obsession — Mr. Lincoln

Someone gave me Mr. Lincoln as a birthday gift and I barely knew what it was. Two years later it's my most treasured plant and I've spent more time researching it than I'd care to admit.

The key discovery was deadheading spent blooms to encourage reblooming — once that clicked, the plant transformed. strong disease-resistant root stock is what gets mentioned every time anyone visits. I keep it in a trellis or pergola for climbing varieties which works perfectly. first flush of blooms in late spring is when I understand why this plant has such devoted followers. aphid infestations on new growth is the one ongoing challenge but it's worth the effort.