Climbing Caroline Testout Rosa 'Climbing Madame Caroline Testout' (ClHT)
ABOUT
Climbing Madame Caroline Testout, a variety of climbing rose, is notable for its lavish blooms and vigorous climbing habit. This rose is typically adorned with large, double flowers which are reminiscent of classic old roses. The flowers themselves are a striking satin pink shade, exuding a heavy, sweet fragrance that can be a delight to the senses in a garden setting. The petals are tightly packed, creating blooms that are full and rounded, often with a somewhat cupped shape. These blooms are produced in abundance throughout the growing season, particularly in the late spring to early autumn period. The foliage of the Climbing Madame Caroline Testout is a dark green which serves as a lush backdrop for the spectacular flowers. The plant's stems are long, allowing the rose to climb and drape gracefully over structures such as trellises, arbors, fences, or walls. Along the stems are thorns, which help the rose to anchor itself as it climbs. The overall impression of this rose is one of romantic exuberance, with flushes of vibrant pink blooms contrasting against the green leaves, adding both visual impact and fragrance to the landscape where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Climbing Caroline Testout, Madame Caroline Testout Climber.
Common names
Rosa 'Climbing Madame Caroline Testout'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Climbing Rose is not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of its parts, especially the hips, can cause stomach upset. There are no severe toxicity symptoms associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
The Climbing Rose is also not considered toxic to pets. It is unlikely to cause any serious poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats. Gastrointestinal upset might occur but is usually not severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Adds a vibrant splash of color with its large, pink flowers that can enhance the aesthetics of any garden.
- Scent: The plant emits a pleasant fragrance, contributing to a sensory garden experience.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers of the Climbing Rose attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Vertical Gardening: Being a climber, it can be trained on trellises, walls, or fences, saving horizontal space in smaller gardens.
- Privacy: When used as a screen, it provides privacy and can act as a living barrier.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long blooming period, extending interest through the growing season.
- Versatility: Can be incorporated into various garden designs, including cottage gardens, formal gardens, or even as standalone features.
- Adaptability: The Climbing Rose is relatively hardy and adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained.
- Improves Garden Structure: Can be used to create 'garden rooms' or to highlight certain features within the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The petals of the Climbing Rose can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of pink and light red hues, depending on the mordant used.
- Climbing Rose canes can be fashioned into rustic garden structures or woven into fences, adding both support for other plants and aesthetic charm to the garden.
- The fragrance of Climbing Roses can be captured in potpourri blends to naturally scent rooms and drawers with a fresh, floral aroma.
- Dried Climbing Rose hips can be strung together to make colorful, vitamin-rich decorations or homemade jewelry.
- Climbing Rose flowers can be used to infuse oils or vinegars, adding a subtle floral note to gourmet cooking or homemade salad dressings.
- Petals from the Climbing Rose can be incorporated into paper-making processes, creating decorative, textured, and fragrant handmade paper.
- Used in artistic arrangements, Climbing Rose branches can be shaped into living sculptures or topiaries, showcasing the art of plant training and pruning.
- The strong, pliable canes of Climbing Roses can be used in basketry as a natural component for woven crafts and homemade containers.
- Climbing Roses can play a role in educational gardens, helping to teach children and adults alike about plant growth, pollination, and the care of garden plants.
- Harvested Climbing Rose petals can be used to craft eco-friendly confetti for weddings and other celebrations, providing a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti.
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: As a rose, Climbing Madame Caroline Testout often symbolizes love and romanticism. The rose's universal symbolism of deep affection makes it an ideal gift for lovers and an adornment for romantic occasions.
- Beauty: The exquisite form and color of the Climbing Madame Caroline Testout are emblematic of beauty, mirroring the way in which roses have long been associated with aesthetic perfection and admiration.
- Eternal Bond: The tenacity of climbing roses to hold onto their supporting structures can be seen as a metaphor for strong relationships and the eternal bond between loved ones.
- Honor: In many cultures, roses are used to pay homage and show respect, making them a symbol of honor and reverence.
- Secrecy: Historically, roses were placed in meeting spaces to demand confidentiality, leading to the term "sub rosa" or "under the rose" to indicate a secretive or private matter.
- Balance: The symmetry of the rose's petals is considered a signifier of balance, indicating stability and an even-keeled nature.
- New Beginnings: While roses in general are often associated with love, they can also represent new starts and fresh opportunities, as a rosebud signifies the beginning of a blooming journey.
WaterThe Climbing Rose needs regular watering, particularly during its first growing season, to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. During the hot summer months or in dryer climates, watering frequency should increase to twice per week. Ensure the water reaches the roots directly by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease. It's important to water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallow and often, to encourage strong root growth.
LightClimbing Roses require full sun, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. They perform best when planted in a location that receives morning sun the most, as this helps to dry dew quickly and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. A south or west-facing spot is ideal for Climbing Roses to ensure they get ample light and warmth throughout the day.
TemperatureClimbing Roses thrive in a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best when the daytime temperature stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These roses can handle minimum winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, although winter protection may be necessary in colder climates. The Climbing Rose is typically hardy and can endure high summer temperatures, but shading may be required in extreme heat above 90 degrees to prevent blossom scorch.
PruningPruning the Climbing Rose is essential to manage its shape, encourage new growth, and enhance flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged canes, and thin out the plant by cutting back one-third of the old canes to encourage new shoots. Prune side branches that bore flowers the previous year back to two or three buds from the main canes to promote larger blooms. Pruning should be done annually for the health and vigor of the rose.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Climbing Rose prefers well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of equal parts compost, loamy garden soil, and sharp sand or perlite promotes healthy growth. Adding organic matter annually will enrich the soil quality.
RepottingClimbing Roses, such as Climbing Madame Caroline Testout, are usually planted in the ground and do not require repotting. If grown in large containers, repotting every few years can rejuvenate the soil.
Humidity & MistingClimbing Roses thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements but perform best with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growth is challenging; provide bright light and adequate space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, with support for climbing, and rich soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Climbing Madame Caroline Testout rose begins with seed germination, although this cultivar is most often propagated through cuttings or grafting. After planting, the plant enters a juvenile vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth to develop a strong framework. Following this, it transitions to the flowering stage during the warmer months, producing fragrant, pink double flowers that are characteristic of this variety. The plant then enters a period of fruiting, where it forms hips that contain the seeds, although cultivators rarely use these seeds due to propagation preference for maintaining cultivar traits. The rose then goes into a dormant stage during colder seasons, conserving energy and preparing for the next cycle of growth and bloom. Annually, this cycle repeats, with proper pruning encouraging vitality and increased flower production in successive years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Climbing Madame Caroline Testout', commonly known as Climbing Caroline Testout rose, is usually propagated by hardwood cuttings. This method is commonly practiced during the dormant season, typically in late fall or early winter. A healthy, mature cane from the current or previous year's growth is selected and cut into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), ensuring each cutting has several nodes. The bottom end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a protected environment until roots have established and new growth is evident, which may take several months. Once rooted, the new rose plants can be transferred to their final location in the garden.
