Climbing Rose Rosa Altissimo = 'Delmur' (Cl)
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ABOUT
The Rosa Altissimo, known commonly as the climbing rose, is a striking variety that features large, showy blooms. The flowers of this climbing rose are a vibrant red color, presenting a bold and eye-catching tone. Each flower is semi-double, meaning they have a generous number of petals, though not as densely packed as fully double blooms. The petals are beautifully arranged in a loose and somewhat cupped formation, contributing to a classic, romantic appearance that is often associated with roses. The leaves of Rosa Altissimo are glossy and dark green, creating a rich backdrop that makes the red flowers stand out even more. As a climbing rose, this plant has long, flexible canes that can be trained to grow on supports such as trellises, fences, or arbors. This training allows the plant to reach upwards, sprawling out and lending a vertical element to gardens. In addition to its structural beauty, the Rosa Altissimo is known for its recurrent flowering habit, gracing gardens with multiple flushes of blooms throughout the growing season. The flowers are often fragrant, adding another layer of sensory appeal to this already charming plant. While the size of this climbing rose can vary greatly depending on growing conditions and how it is trained, the appearance of Rosa Altissimo remains a focal point for many gardens, offering a dramatic splash of color and an elegant form wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Altissimo Rose, Climbing Altissimo, Delmur.
Common names
Rosa 'Delmur' (Cl).
ToxicityTo humans
Climbing roses, such as the Rosa Altissimo 'Delmur', are not considered toxic to humans. They do not possess any known poisonous attributes that would cause illness if touched or ingested. However, it should be noted that the plant's sharp thorns can cause physical injury if not handled carefully.
To pets
Climbing roses, like the Rosa Altissimo 'Delmur', are generally not toxic to pets. They do not contain substances that are known to be harmful if pets chew on or ingest the leaves or flowers. However, the thorns can cause physical injury, and it is always wise to prevent pets from eating plants indiscriminately due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- High Ornamental Value: As a climbing rose, 'Altissimo' provides vertical interest in gardens with its large, bright red flowers, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.
- Long Blooming Season: This cultivar typically has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to fall, offering prolonged visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'Altissimo' attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Screening and Privacy: When grown on trellises or fences, 'Altissimo' can create natural privacy screens and reduce noise.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: This climbing rose can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including archways, pergolas, and wall coverings.
- Durability: 'Altissimo' is known for being a hardy plant that can withstand challenging growing conditions once established.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of 'Altissimo' are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: The striking blooms and lush foliage enhance the beauty and aesthetic appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Cultural Significance: Roses hold significant cultural symbolism, representing love and beauty, which can add an intangible value to gardens.
- Habitat Enrichment: Adding climbing roses like 'Altissimo' to the garden can enrich the habitat for wildlife, providing shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the rose can add color and a mild flavor to salads or desserts, creating an elegant presentation.
- Floral Arrangements: The long stems and large blooms make this rose an excellent choice for cutting gardens intended for bouquets and vases.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The deep red petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a variety of pink and red hues.
- Botanical Art: The shape and color of Rosa Altissimo flowers make them popular subjects for botanical illustration and flower photography.
- Perfumery: Although not exclusively for Rosa Altissimo, rose petals are commonly used in the production of natural, rose-scented perfumes.
- Cultural Symbolism: Roses often hold cultural significance and can be used in ceremonies and events, symbolizing love, honor, or remembrance.
- Edible Rose Petal Jam: The petals can be made into a sweet and aromatic jam that is enjoyed in some Middle Eastern and European cuisines.
- Garden Education: This plant can be included in educational gardens to teach about plant growth, pollination, and rose care techniques.
- Companion Planting: Roses can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects or to serve as a trap plant for pests.
- Soil Erosion Control: The robust root system of Rosa Altissimo can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in sloped garden areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe climbing rose is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe climbing rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The most immediate symbolic meaning of the rose, regardless of color or specific variety, is associated with love and romance. Roses have been a powerful symbol for love across many cultures for centuries.
- Beauty: The rose, with its striking appearance and oft-remarked upon symmetry, represents beauty. Its allure is synonymous with that which is considered classically beautiful.
- Honor: In certain contexts, roses can symbolize honor and reverence, which is why they are often used in situations that call for respect, such as at funerals or when honoring someone.
- Devotion: Roses are frequently exchanged between lovers and those showing deep affection, as a representation of their commitment and unwavering devotion.
- Mystery or Secrecy: The phrase "sub rosa" (under the rose) hails from the ancient practice of placing roses in meeting places where confidential matters were discussed, hence the rose's association with secrecy.
- Balance: The rose is often associated with balance in its beauty, symbolizing the harmony and equilibrium one might seek in life.
WaterThe Climbing Rose should be watered deeply and infrequently, aiming for about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season. It's crucial to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant early in the day. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the winter months, water only if there are prolonged dry spells. Adjust watering based on rainfall, reducing the amount if there has been significant precipitation.
LightThe Climbing Rose thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot that provides morning sunlight is ideal as it helps dry dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of disease. Avoid overly shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and an increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureThe Climbing Rose is hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, with the ideal growing conditions between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection in areas with harsher climates. During hot summer days, temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant and require additional watering.
PruningPruning the Climbing Rose is crucial for maintaining its health and encouraging vigorous blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Aim to prune right after the last frost to promote strong new growth. Pruning can also be done after the first flush of blooms to shape the plant and encourage more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClimbing Rose 'Altissimo' flourishes in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth and flowering. Ensure the soil mix allows for good aeration and has adequate water retention without becoming waterlogged. Regular mulching helps maintain soil moisture and health.
RepottingClimbing Rose 'Altissimo' is typically planted outdoors and does not require repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be needed every 2 to 3 years, in spring or early summer, to refresh the soil and provide additional room for root growth. When repotting, select a container only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingClimbing Rose 'Altissimo' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and will thrive outdoors in the natural environment it is typically grown in. It prefers average outdoor humidity and does not require specific humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, prune, water deeply, maintain airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water deeply, mulch, prune.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Altissimo climbing rose ('Delmur' (Cl)) starts with seed germination, where the seed requires appropriate conditions of soil, temperature, and moisture to sprout. Following germination, the seedling stage is marked by initial growth of roots, stems, and rudimentary leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, the rose bush develops a strong root system, numerous leaves, and canes that are capable of supporting climbing growth, with pruning needed to shape the plant and encourage vigorous growth. The next crucial phase is the flowering stage, during which the Altissimo rose produces its characteristic large, deep red blooms, often in repeat flushes from late spring to fall, attracting pollinators and potentially leading to the production of hips if flowers are not deadheaded. After the growing season, the plant enters a period of dormancy during colder months, where it conserves energy and resources to survive the winter. Finally, as the cycle repeats, the rose exits dormancy in the spring, resuming growth and flowering, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa Altissimo, commonly referred to as the climbing rose, is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings, a method widely used due to its effectiveness. This process typically takes place during summer. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, and the lower leaves should be removed to reduce moisture loss. A diagonal cut is made just below a node, where the hormone-rich area will encourage root growth. The basal end of the cutting can be dipped into a rooting hormone powder or gel to further promote root development before being planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm but shaded environment until rooting occurs, which usually takes several weeks.
