General Culture:

Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Water deeply and regularly (mornings are best). Avoid overhead watering. Good air circulation promotes vigorous and healthy growth and helps control foliar diseases. Summer mulch helps retain moisture, keep roots cool and discourage weeds. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. Crowns need winter protection in cold winter areas such as St. Louis. Remove and destroy diseased leaves from plants (as practicable), and clean up and destroy dead leaves from the ground around the plants both during the growing season and as part of a thorough clean-up during winter (dormant season). Avoid pruning for the first two years after planting to allow the long canes of this climber to develop. Prune thereafter as needed in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This large-flowered climbing rose typically grows 8-10' tall. Features very fragrant, dark red, double flowers (to 5" across). Blooms late spring to frost. Glossy, leathery, dark green foliage.

Problems:

Roses are susceptible to a large number of diseases, the most common of which are black spot, powdery mildew, rust and rose rosette. Although good cultural practices are the first line of defense in disease control, regular preventative fungicide applications throughout the growing season are usually required, particularly in humid climates with regular summer rainfall such as the St. Louis area. Potential insect problems include aphids, beetles, borers, scale, thrips, rose midges, leafhoppers and spider mites. Local rose associations and extension services are usually able to offer specific recommendations and advice for selecting and growing roses.

Uses:

One of the best of the red climbers. Excellent as a pillar rose. Also effective on walls, arbors, white fences or other structures.

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