Alberic Barbier Rose Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' is a climbing rose known for its lush green foliage and captivating blooms. The leaves are glossy, creating an attractive backdrop to the flowers. Its blooms are creamy-white, sometimes with a hint of soft yellow at the base, exuding a romantic and classic rose appearance. The flowers are semi-double, meaning they have a generous number of petals, though not as many as fully double roses. These petals are arranged in a loose, somewhat ruffled pattern, which adds to the overall charm of the rose. The flowers cluster together, forming groups that enhance the visual impact of the plant. Furthermore, the blossoms often exude a light, apple-like fragrance that can be quite delightful in a garden setting. As a climber, this rose variety is often found sprawling over arbors, trellises, or fences, showcasing its cascading nature and vigorous growth habit that allows it to cover structures with beauty.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Albéric Barbier Rose, Barbier's Rambling Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Albéric Barbier'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Albéric Barbier rose is not considered toxic to humans. Roses are not known to contain any substances that are poisonous upon ingestion. However, it is generally not advisable to eat plants that are not typically recognized as edible, as they may cause digestive discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
The Albéric Barbier rose is not considered toxic to pets. Roses do not contain toxins that are harmful to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals if ingested. Nevertheless, the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury to pets, and consuming large quantities of non-food plant material can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or obstruction.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Creamy-white
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: The Albéric Barbier rose is admired for its decorative creamy white flowers, which add significant aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Pergola and Wall Cover: It is a vigorous climbing rose that is ideal for covering walls, fences, pergolas, and other structures, providing a lush, green backdrop with seasonal blooms.
- Scented Flowers: The plant is known for its fragrant flowers that can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Albéric Barbier roses require relatively low maintenance compared to many other plants, requiring only occasional pruning and feeding.
- Disease Resistance: This variety of rose is recognized for its resistance to common rose diseases, ensuring a healthier plant with less need for chemical treatments.
- Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the Albéric Barbier rose can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts for an elegant presentation.
- Floral Water: Distilled petals can be used to create a lightly scented rose water for use in homemade cosmetics or as a natural fragrance.
- Botanical Dye: The petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, yielding subtle hues of pink or yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Comforting Sachets: Dried petals can be filled in sachets to place in drawers or closets for a gentle, soothing aroma that can also deter moths.
- Natural Confetti: Biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than paper or plastic confetti, dried petals can add a romantic touch to celebrations.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Albéric Barbier petals can be used to make decorative bookmarks, perfect for book lovers looking for a touch of nature.
- Edible Flower Ice Cubes: Freeze petals in ice cubes for a decorative element in punches or cocktails that is sure to impress guests.
- Photography Prop: The flowers and vines can be used as props in photography to add natural beauty and texture to the composition.
- Garden Companion Planting: Albéric Barbier rose can be paired with other plants to enhance garden aesthetics or to attract beneficial insects.
- Candle Embedding: Petals can be embedded into homemade candles for a floral look and a hint of fragrance as the candle burns.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The climbing rose is not commonly referenced in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The climbing rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As a rose, Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' is commonly associated with love, reflecting deep affection and emotional intensity.
- Beauty: Roses have long been considered a universal symbol of beauty, representing the harmony and grace that the Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' exudes through its attractive flowers.
- Purity: The creamy white color of the Albéric Barbier rose petals is often linked to purity and innocence, embodying chastity and cleanliness.
- Eternal Love: This variety of rose, with its robust nature and recurrent blooming, is often seen as a symbol of enduring love that survives beyond death or change.
- Honor: Gifting a white rose like the Albéric Barbier can indicate honor and reverence, showing respect towards another person or occasion.
- New Beginnings: The white rose is sometimes associated with new starts and rebirth, making the Albéric Barbier an ideal symbol for ceremonies like weddings or christenings.
- Water
Albéric Barbier climbing roses should be watered deeply, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly saturated, once a week during the growing season. In times of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. A good rule of thumb is about 1-2 gallons for each plant per watering session, depending on the size and maturity of the rose. During cooler months or rainy periods, reduce watering frequency but never allow the soil to completely dry out. It's also important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, direct water at the base of the plant.
- Light
Albéric Barbier climbing roses thrive best in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot would be an east or west-facing location where the plant receives ample morning or afternoon sun. Partial shade is acceptable, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and a weaker plant.
- Temperature
Albéric Barbier climbing roses prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate conditions in USDA zones 5 through 9. They can withstand minimum temperatures of around -20°F, although winter protection may be beneficial in colder zones. Ideal growing temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F. Roses should be protected from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade or extra water.
- Pruning
Pruning Albéric Barbier climbing roses is important to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can also do some light pruning after each wave of flowering to shape the plant and remove spent blooms. Annually remove any old, woody canes and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Albéric Barbier rose requires well-draining soil with organic matter, a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Repotting
Albéric Barbier, being a climbing rose, doesn't typically require repotting; it is planted outdoors.
- Humidity & Misting
Albéric Barbier climbers tolerate typical outdoor humidity levels; they do not require specific humidity conditions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Generally not suited for indoor growing; requires ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draft location, add compost, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Rosa 'Albéric Barbier', commonly known as the Albéric Barbier rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the dormant seed activates and roots and shoots emerge, although cultivation is more commonly through cuttings or grafting to ensure genetic consistency. In its vegetative stage, the rose bush develops a root system and foliage as it matures, with the Albéric Barbier being a vigorous climber that can reach substantial heights and widths. The flowering stage follows, usually in late spring to early summer, where the Albéric Barbier produces abundant creamy-yellow, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, flowers may develop into rose hips, which are the fruiting bodies containing seeds for potential new plants, although roses are often deadheaded to encourage further blooming. Throughout its annual growth cycle, the Albéric Barbier rose will undergo periods of active growth and dormancy, typically entering a dormant phase in late autumn through winter where growth slows or stops and the plant conserves energy. With proper care, including pruning, feeding, and pest management, this climbing rose can live for several decades, continuing its cycle of growth and bloom annually.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Albéric Barbier', commonly known as Albéric Barbier rose, is best propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This propagation practice is usually carried out in late summer or early autumn when the current season's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. To begin, healthy stems are selected and cut into segments measuring around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, ensuring that each cutting has at least a couple of leaves. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and then it's planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The environment should be kept humid, which is often achieved by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or placing them in a propagation case to maintain moisture. After several weeks, roots will form, and once they are well established, the new Albéric Barbier rose plant can be transplanted into the garden.