Alibaba Climbing Rose Rosa 'Alibaba' (PBR) (ClHT)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Alibaba' is a captivating climbing rose variety that exhibits a profusion of flamboyant blooms. Its flowers are enchantingly fragrant, drawing in admirers with their strong, sweet scent. Each blossom is generously filled with multiple layers of petals, showcasing a warm, vibrant orange hue that can add a splash of color to any garden space. The petals are known for their velvety texture, contributing to the overall opulent feel of the flower. This climbing rose variety possesses glossy, dark green leaves that create a striking contrast with the bright orange flowers, enhancing their visual impact. As a climber, the Rosa 'Alibaba' is often trained to ascend trellises, arches, or fences, where it can showcase its floriferous nature. Due to its climbing habit, it can create vertical splashes of color, making it an excellent choice for adding height and dimension to garden designs without taking up too much horizontal space. Moreover, with its tendency to repeat flower, it offers a long season of interest, providing gardeners with an extended display of its radiant blooms. The plant's branching habit and foliage density can offer some coverage, which can be utilized to disguise less attractive structures or create living floral walls within an outdoor setting. Cultivated for its ornamental appeal, the Rosa 'Alibaba' is a splendid choice for gardeners looking to integrate climbing plants with show-stopping flowers into their garden palette. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a larger design scheme, this climbing rose is sure to enchant with its lush, vibrant flowers and pleasant aroma.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Alibaba Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Alibaba' (PBR) (ClHT).
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Rosa 'Alibaba' (PBR) (ClHT) is the climbing rose. Roses are not considered toxic to humans and do not generally cause serious harm if ingested. However, it's important to be cautious as thorns can cause physical injuries if handled improperly. The plant itself does not produce symptoms of poisoning as it is not poisonous to humans if any part of the plant is ingested.
To pets
Commonly known as the climbing rose, Rosa 'Alibaba' (PBR) (ClHT) is not toxic to pets. Cats and dogs can sometimes chew on plants without any serious risks of poisoning from roses. Nevertheless, it's important to note that thorns can cause injury or gastrointestinal tract complications if ingested. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of roses by pets, as they are not considered poisonous to animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange-red
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Rosa 'Alibaba' produces beautiful, vibrant blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a long flowering period, providing a display of color and interest for several months.
- Scent: The flowers are often fragrant, adding a pleasant scent to the area where they are planted.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing rose, it can be trained on structures like walls, fences, and pergolas, adding height and dimension to gardens.
- Screening: Can be used to create natural screens for privacy or to hide less appealing elements of a garden or landscape.
- Durability: Climbing roses like Rosa 'Alibaba' are generally hardy and can be long-lived with proper care and maintenance.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and can also be grown in containers for patios or terraces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rose 'Alibaba' petals can be used in the creation of natural dyes for textiles, yielding colors ranging from soft pinks to deep reds, depending on the concentration and mordant used.
- Rosewater made from 'Alibaba' roses can serve as a flavoring agent in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, imparting a subtle floral hint to dishes such as baklava and rice pudding.
- The strong fragrance of Rosa 'Alibaba' makes it ideal for use in homemade potpourri, providing a long-lasting and natural scent for indoor spaces.
- The petals of the Rosa 'Alibaba' can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for weddings or celebrations, biodegrading naturally and adding a romantic touch to the event.
- Rosa 'Alibaba' can be incorporated into artistic installations or floral sculptures, with their vibrant blooms and sturdy stems offering aesthetically pleasing and structural elements.
- The dried rosebuds of 'Alibaba' are often used in sachets as a natural moth repellent, offering protection for wool and delicate fabrics.
- Rose 'Alibaba' petals can be pressed and used in the craft of flower pressing, creating beautiful decorative items such as bookmarks, greeting cards, and framed artwork.
- The oils extracted from Rosa 'Alibaba' can be used in aromatherapy for their scent, which is believed to have calming properties conducive to relaxation and stress relief. (Excluding medical use, this is for general well-being and creating a peaceful atmosphere.)
- These roses can be used in photography and painting as a classic and timeless subject for artists who appreciate natural beauty and are looking for floral inspiration.
- Lastly, Rosa 'Alibaba' can be used as an educational tool in horticultural studies, teaching students about plant breeding, growth habits, and horticultural practices specific to climbing roses.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe climbing rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe climbing rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Roses are universally symbolic of love and passion. The 'Alibaba' rose's large, striking blooms in particular signify deep, romantic affection.
- Beauty: With its lush, vibrant color and elegant form, the 'Alibaba' rose is often associated with beauty and perfection.
- Mystery: Named after the folk tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," this rose can evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment.
- Honor: The rose is also a symbol of honor and respect, making it a suitable tribute for achievements or to show admiration for someone.
- Devotion: The resilient climbing habit of the 'Alibaba' rose signifies devotion and the ability to overcome challenges in relationships.
WaterThe climbing rose, commonly known as Rosa 'Alibaba', should be watered deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant, but ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out.
LightThe climbing rose Rosa 'Alibaba' performs best in full sun, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is an open area with clear exposure to the sun for most of the day, though it can tolerate very light shade.
TemperatureClimbing roses like Rosa 'Alibaba' can survive a wide range of temperatures but flourish best between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter dormancy and should not be exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods to avoid stress and damage.
PruningPruning Rosa 'Alibaba' is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing dead wood and any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Climbing roses should be pruned lightly compared to other roses, focusing on shaping the plant and keeping the framework strong.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe climbing rose prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite works well to promote healthy growth and ample flowering.
RepottingClimbing roses like Rosa 'Alibaba' typically do not require frequent repotting as they are planted directly in the garden; however, refreshing the mulch and topsoil annually is beneficial.
Humidity & MistingClimbing roses are adaptable but perform best at average outdoor humidity levels; avoid overly humid conditions to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large pots with drainage holes and place in a sunny spot.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny location with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Alibaba' is a Climbing Hybrid Tea rose that starts its life cycle when a seed germinates or more commonly when a cutting takes root. Once established, the plant enters a growth phase where it develops a strong root system and shoots that will grow into canes. Throughout the growing season, this rose will enter a flowering phase, producing large, fragrant blooms usually from late spring to fall, with proper care. After blooming, if hips (seed pods) are allowed to form and are not deadheaded, they will mature by late fall and can be harvested for propagation or left to naturally disperse seeds. During winter, Rosa 'Alibaba' enters dormancy, especially in cooler climates, conserving energy and pausing growth. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, the cycle begins anew with the breaking of dormancy and the resurgence of both vegetative and reproductive growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Alibaba' is a climbing rose variety typically propagated through softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant’s growth is most vigorous. When propagating by cuttings, select a healthy piece of stem about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long that has recently flowered. This stem should have at least three leaf nodes. Remove the bottom leaves to expose a couple of nodes and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat to provide good drainage and aeration. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and keep it in a warm location with indirect light until roots develop. Regularly check for moisture and provide water when necessary to keep the soil slightly damp. After a few weeks to a couple of months, once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
