Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of pruning to an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle in the early stages and paid for it. aphid infestations on new growth also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a trellis or pergola for climbing varieties which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. exceptional fragrance on warm afternoons is visible but muted. bare canes in winter showing the plant's architecture gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.