Sounds like you did everything correctly. VV is indeed, wonderful. Unlike Type II's it reaches a big blooming size quickly. I was amazed at first year's bloom after fall planting and this year (second) it is huge. Must have hundreds of blooms.

I love 'Daniel Deronda' did you?

Hiya buyorsell888: Yes, I did love Daniel Deronda but in Sydney (Australia) it didn't thrive, only a few flowers each season, I found C. 'Spoonerii' much tougher and more prolific, but alas, where I now garden I haven't been able to obtain it, even the mail-order nurseries that I've tried are unaware of it. Mind you, my recently planted 'Polish Spirit' is roaring up the wire frame I've made for it and even has a somewhat early bud or two - it's a balmy mid-winter here this year, should I remove the bud? I planted the plant 18th June, some 6 weeks ago, seasons are reversed here in the southern hemisphere, June is mid winter.

'Polish Spirit' is so vigorous that I think you can let it flower without worry.

Perhaps you can get info closer to your climate from this New Zealand nursery.

The owner, Peer Sorenson, is a frequent contributor to the Gardenbuddies Clem forum.

Marie in ME

Here is a link that might be useful: Yaku Nursery NZ