Danse de Feu, meaning “Dance of Fire,” is a popular climbing rose known for its vivid blooms. It adds vertical interest and color to gardens.
Characteristics of Danse de Feu Rose
The ‘Danse de Feu’ rose features striking fiery orange-red or scarlet blooms that often deepen in hue as they mature. These medium-sized flowers typically feature a double, cupped-to-flat form, appearing abundantly throughout its long blooming season. As a repeat bloomer, ‘Danse de Feu’ provides continuous flowering from late spring through autumn.
This vigorous climbing rose can reach approximately 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) in height and spread 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet). Its foliage is a glossy, dark green, sometimes with a bronze tint on younger shoots, providing a rich backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The blooms possess a mild to light fragrance.
Planting Your Danse de Feu Rose
Planting ‘Danse de Feu’ requires a site with full sun for at least six to eight hours daily. Good air circulation is also important to help prevent disease. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter, with an optimal pH level between 6.0 and 6.9, ideally around 6.5.
When preparing to plant, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball. For bare-root roses, soaking the roots in water for a few hours before planting is beneficial. Position the rose in the hole, ensuring the bud union (the swollen area where the stems meet the roots) is about 2 inches below the soil line. Backfill the hole with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle the plant. Install a sturdy support structure like a trellis, arbor, or wall at the time of planting, as this climbing rose will need it for growth.
Ongoing Care for Danse de Feu Rose
Consistent care is important for the health and abundant blooming of ‘Danse de Feu’ roses. Adequate light exposure is crucial, as full sun directly impacts bloom quantity and quality. While it can tolerate some partial shade, more sun leads to better flowering.
Watering should be deep and consistent, especially during dry periods and the plant’s establishment phase. Aim for thorough soakings that penetrate the soil rather than frequent, light applications, as this encourages deeper root growth. It is best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases. To determine if watering is needed, check the soil moisture a few inches below the surface; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Use a balanced rose fertilizer, or one with a slightly higher phosphorus content to encourage more blooms. Apply fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges and again after each flush of blooms, typically every two to four weeks during the growing season. Organic options such as compost or well-rotted manure can be incorporated into the soil, providing a slow release of nutrients and improving soil health.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is an effective practice to encourage continuous flowering and maintain plant vigor. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production towards developing new flowers. To deadhead, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just above the first set of five healthy leaves below the faded flower. Regular deadheading throughout the blooming season will keep the plant looking tidy and promote successive flushes of flowers.
Pruning and Training Danse de Feu Rose
Pruning ‘Danse de Feu’ roses is best done in late winter or early spring, during the plant’s dormant period, typically between December and February. This timing allows for clearer visibility of the plant’s structure and promotes vigorous regrowth. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain plant health and improve air circulation. Old, unproductive canes can also be cut back at the base to stimulate new, more vigorous growth.
Training is essential for climbing roses like ‘Danse de Feu’ since they do not self-cling. Once the plant is established, select four or five strong, healthy canes to form the main structure. These canes should be tied gently to the support structure, such as a trellis or horizontal wires, using soft ties. Training the main canes horizontally or at an angle, rather than straight vertically, encourages the development of lateral shoots, which are responsible for producing a greater abundance of blooms. Continue to tie new growth as it extends, spreading the canes to fill the support structure and maximize flowering potential.
Common Pests and Diseases
‘Danse de Feu’ roses, like other roses, can encounter common pests and diseases. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects often found on new growth and buds, which can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or managed with insecticidal soap. Spider mites, another common pest, thrive in hot, dry conditions and can also be addressed with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Japanese beetles are larger pests that can be manually removed from the plant and dropped into soapy water.
Fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew are also common, particularly in humid conditions or when foliage remains wet. Black spot appears as dark, circular spots on older leaves, leading to yellowing and leaf drop, while powdery mildew presents as white, powdery patches on new foliage. Good cultural practices, including proper spacing for air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, are important preventative measures. For existing infections, remedies like baking soda sprays or sulfur-based fungicides can be used. Removing fallen leaves also helps prevent the spread of fungal spores.