My experience this year too except it was Ville de Lyon.

Hey now, I love Miss Bateman & well worth having! I'm a sucker for any flower that exhibits some sort of green in the flower :) She also is one of the 1st to bloom & love the red anthers. Maybe she is everywhere for good reason.

In the same breath, I see Nelly Moser, Asao, HF Young, The President, Ramona, Jackmanii, Madame Julia Correvon, Etoile Violette & just recently Violet Charm everywhere. I'm sure there a few others I am forgetting.

All in all I would have to say they are common for very good reason.

I love Miss Bateman too, I just wish she'd bloom.

How does MB grow for you, lalalandwi?

Mine is a weak plant, weak vines and doesn't bloom well.

Janet, she is rockin' it here! I planted her last summer & she is growing like there is no tomorrow. I think I may need to get out the whip to get her under control, LOL! Since she is new, I cut her down late winter & my 1st bloom was 5/25 & she is sporadically putting out blooms. Started very low on the old wood & getting buds already on the new wood. I just love her! How long have you had yours?

I had mine for 3 or 4 years and although the shoots multiplied every year, it doesn't bloom much.