The Climbing Peace Rose brings classic elegance to any garden. This climbing variety is a natural mutation, or “sport,” of the original ‘Peace’ hybrid tea rose, first hybridized in France in 1935. Introduced on April 29, 1945, coinciding with the end of World War II, its name is symbolic. The Climbing Peace Rose retains its parent’s beauty and popularity, offering a vigorous, upward-growing habit.
Characteristics and Appeal of Climbing Peace Rose
The Climbing Peace Rose grows vigorously, reaching 6 to 20 feet. Its large, fragrant blooms are a signature feature. These double flowers, often 5 or 6 inches across, display a blend of golden, primrose-yellow petals with soft, rose-pink shadings, particularly at the edges. The foliage emerges with reddish tints in spring, maturing into glossy, dark green leaves.
It offers a moderate, sweet, floral scent. It has good disease resistance, though it can be susceptible to black spot. It produces abundant blooms from late spring through fall, providing consistent color and fragrance. Gardeners select this variety for vertical interest.
Planting and Establishment
Establishment of a Climbing Peace Rose begins with selecting an appropriate planting site. It thrives in full sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours daily. Good air circulation also helps reduce fungal disease risk. If planting near a wall or fence, position the rose about 1 foot away and ensure the support structure allows for air movement behind the plant.
Soil preparation is crucial. Climbing Peace Roses prefer rich, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Amend the planting area by digging 12-18 inches deep and incorporating a 2-4 inch layer of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage, enriches the soil, and provides essential nutrients. When planting, dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball, creating a small mound at the bottom for the roots to spread over. Position the plant so its bud union is at or slightly above ground level, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Training and Support for Climbing Peace Rose
Climbing Peace Roses are not true self-clinging vines; they require support and training to grow vertically. A sturdy structure like a trellis, arbor, wall, or fence is essential to guide their vigorous growth.
When training against a wall, attach horizontal wires or a trellis 3 to 6 inches away to allow air circulation and easy maintenance access. Training involves guiding long, flexible canes horizontally along the support structure. This horizontal positioning encourages more lateral shoots, producing abundant blooms along the cane’s length, rather than just at the tips. Use soft ties or flexible plant tape to secure the canes loosely to the support, allowing for future growth and preventing damage to the stems. Regularly tie in new growth as it emerges, fanning out the stems to ensure even coverage and promote continuous flowering from the base upwards.
Ongoing Care and Pruning
Watering
Consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods and active growth. Aim for deep watering at the base of the plant, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Watering in the morning allows the foliage to dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the rose helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing
Roses are heavy feeders, requiring regular fertilization for continuous blooming. Begin fertilizing in early spring as new growth appears, and continue every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, or after each flush of blooms. Use a rose-specific or balanced granular/liquid fertilizer, ideally with higher phosphorus to encourage more flowers. Stop fertilizing about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost to allow the plant to harden off for winter.
Pruning
Pruning is a significant aspect of caring for climbing roses, differing from bush rose techniques. The primary goal is to maintain plant health, shape, and encourage abundant blooms. Annually, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Thin out overcrowded branches, especially those that cross and rub, to improve air circulation and light penetration within the plant.
For established climbing roses, selectively cut back some older, less productive main canes from the base to encourage vigorous new growth, aiming to retain about 4-6 strong, young canes for the framework. Shorten side shoots that have flowered by about two-thirds of their length to promote new flowering laterals. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the growing season to encourage further flowering.
Common Issues and Solutions
Climbing Peace Roses, like other roses, can encounter pests and diseases, though they are generally hardy. Common insect pests include aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects often found on new growth and buds, causing distorted foliage. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be applied for more severe infestations. Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions, can cause stippling on leaves; increasing humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap can help manage them.
Fungal diseases are more prevalent, with black spot and powdery mildew being common concerns. Black spot manifests as dark spots on leaves, often surrounded by yellowing, leading to leaf drop. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, particularly in humid conditions.
To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant through proper spacing and pruning. Avoiding overhead watering, especially in the evening, can also reduce moisture on leaves, which fungal spores need to germinate. For existing infections, removing affected leaves and applying a fungicide can help control the spread. Maintaining overall plant vigor through proper feeding and watering helps the rose withstand these issues.