Bobbie James Rose Rosa 'Bobbie James' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Bobbie James' is a climbing rose known for its vigorous growth and profuse flowering. Its appearance is characterized by clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers that are predominantly white with a hint of cream at the base of the petals, giving a soft, warm impression. The blooms have a classic and delicate look, typical of many climbing roses, and are complemented by a light, sweet fragrance. The leaves of 'Bobbie James' are a glossy, deep green color that creates a striking backdrop for the blooms. They are pinnate with a wrinkled texture, which enhances the overall lushness of the plant. Each leaf is comprised of several smaller leaflets, which are oval in shape with a pointed tip and serrated edges, providing a textured, verdant canvas throughout the growing season. Stems on this rose are long and pliable, making it an ideal candidate for training over arches, pergolas, and other garden structures. They may bear thorns that aid in the plant's climbing ability and provide some defense against pests and animals. Overall, the plant presents a cascade of blooms when in season, offering a spectacular display of white florals alongside its healthy, robust green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Bobbie James Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Bobbie James'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as 'Bobbie James' rose, is not considered toxic to humans. Members of the Rosa genus, including this variety, typically do not contain substances that are harmful if ingested. However, roses have thorns that can cause physical injury if handled carelessly. There can be mild risks associated with any plant, including the possibility of skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, but roses are not known for being poisonous when touched or consumed.
To pets
The 'Bobbie James' rose is also not considered toxic to pets. Roses, in general, do not contain significant levels of substances harmful to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. While the ingestion of rose petals might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the unusual material in their diet, serious poisoning is unlikely. As with humans, the thorns on roses can cause physical injuries to pets if they try to chew on the stems, and care should be taken to avoid these potential injuries.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Rosa 'Bobbie James' offers stunning, large clusters of creamy-white fragrant flowers that enhance the visual beauty of any garden space.
- Pollinator Attraction: This variety of rose serves as an attractant for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Climbing Habit: Due to its vigorous climbing growth habit, it can be used to cover walls, pergolas, and trellises, providing vertical interest in the landscape.
- Shade Creation: When grown over structures, it can create shaded areas that can be enjoyed during warmer months.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth can be employed as a living screen, adding privacy to gardens and outdoor living areas.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant offers shelter and potential nesting sites for birds within its intertwined branches.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its bloom in late spring or early summer and sometimes a second flush of flowers in the autumn.
- Durability: Rosa 'Bobbie James' is known to be a hardy plant, able to withstand less-than-ideal conditions once established.
- Scent: The flowers emit a strong and pleasing fragrance, contributing to the sensory experience of a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Bobbie James' can be used in perfumery, as it produces a strong and pleasant fragrance that is well-suited for creating natural floral scents.
- The petals of Rosa 'Bobbie James' can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to make decorative and edible cake embellishments.
- Its sturdy, long canes can be utilized in crafting and basket weaving, providing a natural and rustic material for artisans.
- The plant may serve as a privacy screen when grown on fences or trellises due to its vigorous growth habit.
- Petals of Rosa 'Bobbie James' can be used in homemade potpourri mixtures, contributing a visually appealing color and a traditional rose aroma.
- The rose hips formed by Rosa 'Bobbie James' can be used in the creation of artisanal jewelry, incorporating a touch of nature into personal accessories.
- The robust roots of Rosa 'Bobbie James' can help in soil stabilization on slopes and prevent erosion by anchoring the soil.
- Fallen petals from the plant can be collected and used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a soft, pink hue.
- Rose water made from the petals of Rosa 'Bobbie James' can be used in gourmet cooking to infuse dishes with a delicate floral flavor.
- Excess clippings and pruned canes can be repurposed into garden mulch or compost, providing nutrients and organic matter back to the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant 'Bobbie James' Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe 'Bobbie James' Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Roses are universally symbolic of love and passion. The 'Bobbie James' rose, with its abundant and fragrant blooms, resonates with deep emotional connections and romantic sentiments.
- Beauty: This variety of rose, like many others, represents beauty. Its aesthetic appeal is often associated with grace and elegance.
- Honor: Roses have been used historically to convey respect and admiration. Giving a 'Bobbie James' rose can be a gesture of honoring someone’s accomplishments or virtues.
- Devotion: The rose's long-standing association with heartfelt commitment makes it an emblem of devotion, be it in love, friendship, or a cause.
- Confidentiality: The term "sub rosa" (literally "under the rose") has historical roots where a rose hung over a meeting table signified that all conversations are to be kept secret. Thus, a 'Bobbie James' rose can symbolize confidentiality and trust.
WaterThe Bobbie James rose should be watered deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water, but this may need to increase to twice a week during very hot or dry spells. It's important to avoid shallow watering, as deep watering encourages the roots to grow further into the ground, providing better support and greater drought tolerance. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering frequency as the plant will require less. It’s best to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of diseases.
LightThe Bobbie James rose thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. A spot that benefits from morning light is ideal, as it helps to dry the dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of disease. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and a less robust plant.
TemperatureThe Bobbie James rose does best in a range of temperatures from about 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures below this can damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature for this rose will ensure generous blooms and a healthy plant, and it generally fares well in typical garden climates within USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
PruningPruning the Bobbie James rose promotes healthy growth, improves air circulation, and encourages vibrant blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged wood and thinning out the plant to allow sunlight to reach inner branches. Annually remove about one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant. It is also advisable to deadhead spent blooms throughout the blooming season to encourage further flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBobbie James roses thrive in well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A soil mix with equal parts of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to provide the nutrients and drainage that these roses need.
RepottingBobbie James roses, being vigorous climbers, are generally not repotted often as they are usually planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in large containers, repotting may be needed every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe climbing rose 'Bobbie James' prefers average humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions. It does not require special humidity levels and is quite adaptable to the humidity found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in large pots, direct sunlight, prune for space.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space for climbing.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Rosa 'Bobbie James', also known as the Climbing Rose, begins with seed germination, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with foliage and a root system developing over several weeks. Once mature, the Climbing Rose enters a vegetative state where it produces canes and leaves, preparing for flowering. The plant then blooms typically in late spring or early summer, showcasing clusters of creamy-white fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into rose hips (seed pods), which mature and eventually release seeds to start a new generation. The Climbing Rose is a perennial, so after the growing season, it enters a period of dormancy during cold months and will regrow from existing canes in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Bobbie James', commonly known as Bobbie James Rose, is popularly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This propagation method is usually carried out in late summer to early fall. You begin by selecting a healthy semi-hardwood stem from the current season's growth. The stem should be about 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 cm) and have several sets of leaves. You then make a cut just below a leaf node and strip the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. The cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then planted in a mix of perlite and peat or a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, after which it can be transplanted into the garden.
