Constance Spry Rose Rosa 'Constance Spry' (ClS)
ABOUT
The Constance Spry rose is a captivating plant with a bushy growth habit, exhibiting a lush and full appearance. Its stems are adorned with large, spectacular flowers that are known for their charming cupped shape. They often bloom in soft shades of pink, resembling the classic old rose form which exudes an air of vintage elegance. The petals are numerous and tightly packed, creating densely filled blooms that stand as a testament to the plant's generosity in flowering. The foliage of the Constance Spry is equally appealing, with leaves that typically display a healthy green color, adding to the overall exuberance of the plant. The leaves create an attractive backdrop for the flowers, highlighting their beauty and providing a contrast that enhances the visual impact of the blooms. This plant is also noted for its delightful fragrance. The scent is strong and reminiscent of myrrh, adding a sensory layer to its presence in the garden. The aromatic qualities can infuse the surrounding air with a pleasant perfume, making it a popular choice not just for visual appeal but also for its pleasing aroma. Overall, the Constance Spry rose is a plant that evokes romance and nostalgia through its classic form, inviting color, and sublime fragrance, contributing to its popularity and cherished status among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Constance Spry Rose, Climbing Constance Spry.
Common names
Rosa 'Constance Spry' ClS.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Rosa 'Constance Spry' is the Constance Spry Rose. This plant is not considered poisonous to humans. Roses are generally recognized as non-toxic, and there are no known toxic effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, it's important to note that the thorns on rose bushes can cause physical injury if handled carelessly.
To pets
The common name for Rosa 'Constance Spry' is the Constance Spry Rose. This plant is not considered poisonous to pets. Roses are typically safe for pets, and there is no significant toxicity associated with the ingestion of rose petals or leaves. Nevertheless, the thorns can cause injury to pets if they chew on the stems or attempt to eat the plant. While Rosa 'Constance Spry' is not toxic, it's always best to discourage pets from eating plants as a general precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet [1.5 meters]
Spread
5 feet [1.5 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Constance Spry' offers beautiful, large, pink blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a strong and pleasant myrrh fragrance, contributing to a sensory garden experience.
- Pollinator Attraction: This rose variety attracts bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the pollination of plants and ecosystem health.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms make excellent cut flowers for indoor decoration, enabling the enjoyment of their beauty and scent indoors.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be grown as a shrub or trained as a climber, offering versatility in landscaping design.
- Heritage Value: As one of the first David Austin roses, it has historical significance for rose enthusiasts and collectors.
- Seasonal Interest: With a relatively long blooming period from early to mid-summer, it adds interest to the garden for several weeks.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfume Industry: The fragrance of Rosa 'Constance Spry' is used for extraction to produce perfumes and scented products.
- Edible Delights: Petals of Rosa 'Constance Spry' can be crystallized or used directly in salads, desserts, and teas for a delicate flavor.
- Bath and Body Products: Rosewater and oils derived from Rosa 'Constance Spry' are popular ingredients for lotions, bath bombs, and other skincare items.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of Rosa 'Constance Spry' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and cosmetics.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh petals can be used as an attractive and edible garnish on cakes and fine dishes.
- Symbolic Gifts: Beyond their common decorative use, roses are given as a traditional symbol for love, appreciation, and special occasions.
- Floral Arrangements: Rosa 'Constance Spry' is often included in bridal bouquets or used to create floral displays for events and church services.
- Confetti: Dried petals can be tossed as natural confetti for celebrations like weddings.
- Art Projects: Petals and leaves from Rosa 'Constance Spry' can be pressed or dried to be used in various craft and art applications.
- Literary Inspiration: This specific rose, with its classic beauty, can be a muse for poets, writers, and artists in their works.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is often used in Feng Shui as a symbol of love, positive energy, and to attract positive chi, especially when placed in the southwest area of the garden, which is related to love and marriage. As Rosa 'Constance Spry' is a climbing rose, ensure it is well supported and maintained to keep its energy and visual appeal positive.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not typically used in astrology practice specifically for Zodiac sign compatibility. It is more universally considered as a symbol of love and romance rather than being associated with a particular Zodiac sign.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As with many roses, the 'Constance Spry' rose symbolizes love. This iconic flower often represents deep affection and romantic feelings.
- Beauty: Representing beauty and perfection, this particular rose, with its charming form and color, also reflects the admirable beauty and the appreciation of it.
- Elegance: The 'Constance Spry' rose, with its classic shape and subtle pink hue, often symbolizes elegance and grace.
- Devotion: Roses are commonly associated with devotion, denoting the giver’s loyalty and unwavering commitment to the recipient.
- Timelessness: Due to its traditional English rose characteristics, 'Constance Spry' represents timelessness and enduring charm.
WaterThe Constance Spry climbing rose should be watered thoroughly once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry weather, the frequency should be increased to twice a week, taking care not to wet the foliage to prevent disease. In cooler weather or when rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering accordingly. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches deep to decide if additional water is needed. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot.
LightConstance Spry roses prefer full sun conditions to thrive, meaning they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting them in a location that provides morning sunlight is particularly beneficial as it helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. While these roses can tolerate partial shade, too little light can result in fewer blooms and a weaker plant.
TemperatureConstance Spry climbing roses thrive in a wide range of temperatures but perform best in zones with average summertime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. While they can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F, they need protection from frost and strong winter winds. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cool nights, but they should be sheltered from extreme heat above 95°F to prevent stress and damage to the plant.
PruningPruning Constance Spry roses is essential to maintain their shape, remove deadwood, and encourage healthy growth and flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing diseased, broken, or dead branches and thinning out crowded areas. This climbing rose should be pruned immediately after flowering since it blooms on old wood; annual pruning will help stimulate new growth for the next season's blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Constance Spry rose should be well-draining yet rich in organic matter, composed of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for this rose is between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal nutrient uptake and plant health.
RepottingConstance Spry roses, being climbers, do not typically require repotting as they are usually planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingConstance Spry roses prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments. They thrive in garden environments where the natural humidity is sufficient for their growth without the need for additional measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Constance Spry rose indoors with ample light and room to climb.
Outdoor
Plant Constance Spry rose in sunny, sheltered spots with support.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Rosa 'Constance Spry', commonly known as Constance Spry rose, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic compound leaves and thorns. In late spring to early summer, the mature rose bushes produce large, fragrant, pink flowers that may bloom again in cycles until fall, depending on the climate and care. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into rose hips, which are seed-filled fruits that mature in late summer and autumn. These hips can be harvested for propagation or left to naturally disperse seeds. Over the years, Constance Spry roses will become larger and more robust, requiring periodic pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy flowering, typically going dormant in winter in cold climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Rosa 'Constance Spry', commonly known as Constance Spry Climbing Rose, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from a healthy parent plant during the late spring or early summer. A cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches long (15–20 cm) with several leaves, and the bottom cut should be made just below a leaf node. The leaves near the bottom are typically removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm environment with high humidity and indirect light. It usually takes several weeks for roots to develop, after which the new rose plant can gradually be acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting in its final location.
