Compassion Rose Rosa 'Compassion' (ClHT)
ABOUT
The Compassion rose is a popular climbing rose known for its beautifully formed, large, and fragrant flowers. The blooms are a soft peachy-pink to salmon color, often with subtle hints of apricot, especially towards the edges of the petals. These exquisite petals are arranged in a classic, high-centered shape typical of hybrid tea roses, which unfurl elegantly as they open. Each bloom consists of a generous number of petals, providing a full and luxurious look. The foliage of the Compassion rose is equally attractive, with large, glossy, and dark green leaves that offer a lush backdrop to the flowers. This foliage densely covers its stems, creating a vibrant tapestry of green that enhances the visual appeal of the flowers. As a climbing variety, Compassion roses are often found gracing walls, trellises, fences, and archways, where their canes can stretch out and display their beauty. They add an element of vertical interest to any garden and are known to produce an abundance of flowers from late spring to the onset of frost, offering a prolonged season of color and scent. The pleasant fragrance of Compassion roses is a mix of fruity and floral notes, which can easily perfume the surrounding air and make it a favorite among gardeners and passersby alike. The Compassion rose is also appreciated for its vigor and reliable growth habit, becoming a staple in many gardens where it can spread its charm season after season without needing excessive care. It is also resistant to many common rose diseases, which contributes to its popularity and suitability for a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Climbing Rose Compassion, Compassion Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Compassion' ClHT.
ToxicityTo humans
The Compassion rose is not considered poisonous to humans. However, as with many plants that are not typically food items, ingesting large quantities of roses or plant parts may cause discomfort or gastrointestinal upset due to the fiber content and naturally occurring plant compounds. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the Compassion rose for humans, as it is generally regarded as non-toxic.
To pets
The Compassion rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets. While it's not common for pets to consume roses, if a pet does eat parts of a rose plant, such as the petals or leaves, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Thorn injuries could also occur, with symptoms like pain, swelling, or possible infection. Overall, roses are not known to cause serious or life-threatening poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Compassion' (Climbing Rose) offers a beautiful display of apricot-pink blooms with a captivating fragrance, enhancing any garden's visual landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Versatility: Climbing Rose can be trained on walls, fences, trellises, and arbors, offering various landscaping possibilities.
- Long Flowering Period: This plant typically enjoys a long blooming season, often from late spring to early autumn, providing extended garden interest.
- Screening: When grown on structures, it can act as a natural screen, providing privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Resilience: Rosa 'Compassion' is known to be hardy and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for many gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are excellent for cutting and can be used to create fragrant, long-lasting bouquets.
- Enhances Property Value: A well-maintained garden featuring attractive plants like Climbing Rose can contribute to increasing property values.
- Variety of Uses: It's suitable for cottage gardens, formal gardens, and even in a 'wild garden' setting.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Compassion' can be used as a natural dye, with petals providing shades of pink to light red for fabrics and yarns.
- The hips (fruit) of Compassion roses are occasionally used in craft projects, like wreaths or potpourri, due to their shape and color.
- Petals from Compassion roses can be infused in oils or vinegar to add a floral note to culinary creations.
- Dried Compassion rose petals can serve as a component in homemade paper, lending a unique texture and fragrance to the final product.
- The strong and flexible canes of Compassion roses are sometimes woven into artistic garden structures or supports for other climbing plants.
- Compassion rose petals can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for outdoor celebrations to avoid littering synthetic materials.
- The scent of Compassion roses can be captured in homemade potpourris, combining petals with other aromatic herbs and spices.
- Pressed Compassion rose petals can be used in decorative glass frames to create natural and romantic wall art.
- Compassion roses can be used as a teaching tool in horticultural therapy programs, helping participants to learn about plant care and growth.
- When mixed with water, Compassion rose petals can create a flavored ice that adds an elegant touch to cold beverages or punches.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is commonly associated with love and romance in Feng Shui, so the Compassion climbing rose can be used to enhance the relationship area of a garden or home. Placing it in the southwest corner of the garden or your yard is believed to help attract and strengthen love and marital bliss.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not specifically tied to Zodiac sign compatibility and does not have a role in astrological practices; therefore, "The rose is not used in astrology practice".
Plant Symbolism- Love: As with many roses, 'Compassion' is often associated with love and passion due to its beautiful blooms that can inspire deep emotional responses.
- Admiration: The large, often pink-hued flowers of the 'Compassion' rose signify admiration and are traditionally given to express high regards for someone's qualities.
- Beauty: Roses are universally symbolic of beauty, and 'Compassion' with its lush, layered petals and exquisite form, embodies this trait.
- Caring and Empathy: 'Compassion' by its very name suggests a deep understanding and sympathy for others, thus the rose can be a token of one's willingness to empathize with someone else's situation.
- Celebration: Due to its vigorous growth and lovely scent, 'Compassion' roses may represent celebration and joy in life's grand or intimate moments.
- Honor: The rose overall is a flower suited for paying tribute, and the 'Compassion' rose specifically, with its graceful appearance, can symbolize the honoring of an individual or an important relationship.
WaterThe Compassion climbing rose prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this might mean watering approximately once a week with about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. During periods of high heat or drought, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist. In cooler weather or when the plant is dormant in winter, water less frequently, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Overwatering can lead to problems such as root rot, so it is important to ensure good drainage.
LightThe Compassion climbing rose thrives in full sunlight, which means it requires at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sun each day. An ideal spot would be an open area facing south or west to maximize exposure. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will hinder bloom production and can make the plant more susceptible to disease.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Compassion climbing rose is between 65°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F during its dormant period, but should be protected from harsh, freezing conditions to prevent damage. Hot temperatures above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates may be beneficial.
PruningPruning the Compassion climbing rose helps maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation, thus preventing disease. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased canes, and thin out crowded areas to allow sunlight to reach the center of the plant. Climbing roses are typically pruned more lightly than bush roses, focusing on shaping the plant and encouraging the growth of strong, healthy canes. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Compassion roses, a well-draining and fertile soil mix is best. Incorporate aged compost and organic matter into loamy soil for optimal growth. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCompassion roses, being climbers, are typically not repotted as they are planted directly into the ground. Usually, roses do not require frequent repotting if provided enough space to grow.
Humidity & MistingCompassion roses do best in moderate humidity conditions. They can tolerate a range of humidity levels but thrive when the air is not too dry or excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, proper watering, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and ample space to climb.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Compassion rose (Rosa 'Compassion' ClHT) begins with seed germination, although as a cultivated hybrid, it is more commonly propagated through cuttings. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative stage, where stems grow and leaves develop to form a bushy structure. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage during the spring and summer months, producing large, fragrant pink blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, if seeds are produced, they undergo a period of dormancy before the cycle can begin anew. Annually, in preparation for winter, the Compassion rose enters a dormancy period where growth slows and the plant conserves energy. Pruning is typically done during late winter to early spring to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Compassion', commonly known as the Climbing Rose, is most frequently propagated by softwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the stems are just hardening off. Cuttings, which should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, are taken from healthy, disease-free plants. It's crucial to make a clean cut and remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and ideally put in a location with bright, indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the young plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted out in its final position.
