Dan Pearson on gardensLife and style This article is more than 17 years oldA dud bud
This article is more than 17 years oldQ I planted an iceberg climbing rose this spring. I let the grafted branches grow to 1.5m, and no side shoots or flower branches developed - just leaves from the main branch.
I clipped 30cm off the leader tips six weeks ago and they have branched, but still no rose buds are developing. The plant is healthy. Is it possible that I got a 'dud', ie the grafted shoots are not the flowering kind? And if not, what am I doing wrong?
Dr Suzanne Buchan
A Do not fear - it sounds like your climbing 'Iceberg' is doing just fine. In my experience, the climbing form (unlike the bush form) can be shy to flower in the first years. They also like plenty of sunshine and have always done better for me in Italy than here.
If your plant is not in a hot spot, maybe you should move it. Otherwise, it should just be a matter of letting it settle in.
Q I live in Brighton city centre and have a small south-facing garden. The problem is that the surrounding gardens all contain large trees which block out most of the sun. As a result, flowers that I've planted haven't developed properly and have in some cases died off. Are there plants that will thrive in the shade and also flower?
Peter Hatfield
A Some of the most beautiful plants thrive in shade. Hydrangeas are happier in the shade, and there is a wealth of other plants to take you through the year. Get Beth Chatto's Woodland Garden (£25, Cassell Illustrated) or the RHS Plants for Places (£9.99, Dorling Kindersley). Both are inspirational books.
· If you have a gardening question for Dan, email ask.dan@observer.co.uk
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