First, you must understand what we are. We are vigorous, woody vines, but we are not natural clingers like ivy. Our long, thorny canes seek the sun and will grow rapidly in its pursuit. To train us, you must provide consistent guidance and support. We thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Without at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, our growth will be weak, and we will not produce the colorful bracts you desire. Proper nutrition is also key; a fertilizer higher in phosphorus than nitrogen will promote brilliant blooms over excessive leafy growth.
Before you begin guiding us, a sturdy support system must be in place. A trellis, wires, or a series of eye hooks should be securely attached to the wall or a free-standing frame. We are heavy, especially when mature and wet, so the structure must be robust. For walls, use spacers to keep the support system an inch or so away from the surface. This allows for air circulation behind our foliage, which is crucial for preventing fungal diseases and giving our tendrils and thorns something to grip onto as we grow.
Begin training when we are young and our canes are still flexible. Identify the strongest and longest primary canes to become the main structural branches. Using soft, flexible plant ties, cloth strips, or velcro ties, gently secure these chosen canes to the support structure. Do not use wire or anything that can cut into our bark as we thicken. Guide us in the desired pattern—horizontally, diagonally, or in a fan shape. Horizontal training encourages more flowering shoots along the entire length of the cane, leading to a spectacular display.
Training is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing conversation between you and us. As we grow, you must continue to gently weave and tie new growth to the support. Our natural instinct is to grow outward and upward, so we will send out shoots away from the wall. Your job is to redirect this energy. Pruning is your most important tool. After a main flush of blooms, prune the tips of the new growth. This encourages us to branch out, become bushier, and produce more flowering wood closer to the main structure. Always prune just after a flower node to direct energy into new blooms.
With your consistent guidance, we will respond. Our stems will slowly lignify, or become woody, holding the shape you have given us. Our thorns and lateral branches will naturally start to anchor us to the trellis or wires. This process requires your patience and our vigorous growth cycle. Over several seasons, with diligent tying and strategic pruning, we will transform into a magnificent, living tapestry of color, covering the structure you provided in a breathtaking floral display. This is a partnership—you provide the direction and care, and we provide the breathtaking beauty.
