Old Rose Lover

Taken June 2, 2009, Z5a, Eastern Iowa. Very hardy, 3rd year, dies to ground after first hard freeze, don't leave the brown debris on the ground over the winter, bounces back in the spring. It's taller than I expected, may go as much as 8', very dense, and will grab smaller gauge wire but not lattice, blooms all summer long, pretty white seed heads, but starts to look a little spent by September, still occasional blooms. I fed it tomato food. I love the color; it's not a true dark blue but close, has just a touch of dark purple. Needs no care other than occasional watering once established, likes near full sun, and needs to be contained if you don't want it grabbing onto tallish plants nearby. If grown in combination with a rose, it's best to plant the rose closest to the sun or the plant will shade the rose.