Climbing Rose Rosa 'Crimson Shower' (Ra)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Crimson Shower' is known for its beautiful, cascading habit with an abundance of rich crimson-red flowers. These blooms are typically semi-double to double and exude a classic rose fragrance. Each blossom is made up of layers of velvety petals, often arranged in a more or less symmetrical pattern. The petals may exhibit a subtle sheen, catching the light and giving a dynamic display of deep, warm tones. Leaves on the Rosa 'Crimson Shower' are glossy and possess a deep green color that serves as a striking backdrop to the vibrant red flowers. The foliage often shows a leathery texture and may have serrated edges, with a typical pinnate leaf structure common to roses. Stems are sturdy, and they may bear small thorns, as is characteristic of rose plants. Throughout its blooming season, this plant is a sight to behold, with its arching canes generously adorned with flowers, giving it a luxuriant, overflowing look that can add drama and romance to any garden service. Its exuberant flowering habit and striking color make it a standout specimen in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Climbing Rose, Rambler Rose, Crimson Shower Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Crimson Shower' (Ra).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the 'Crimson Shower' rose is not considered toxic to humans. Roses do not contain substances that are poisonous if ingested. However, ingesting large quantities of rose petals or other plant parts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation due to the fibrous plant material, though this is not common. Generally, roses are safe to grow and handle, but care should be taken to avoid the thorns which can cause physical injury.
To pets
Roses, including the 'Crimson Shower' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, the thorns can cause injury if a pet chews on the stems, and ingesting significant amounts of the fibrous plant material might lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea in sensitive individuals. As with humans, pets do not experience poisoning from roses as they do not contain significant toxins. It is always a good practice to supervise pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Crimson
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its cascading crimson blooms.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for trellises, arches, walls, and fences, providing a variety of landscaping options.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a subtle and pleasant scent, enriching the sensory experience of a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provision: Can be trained to grow over pergolas or arbors, creating natural shaded areas.
- Privacy: When grown on fences or walls, it can provide a natural privacy screen.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long flowering season from late spring to early autumn, providing consistent visual interest.
- Durability: Known for its hardiness and can withstand various climatic challenges once established.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care aside from occasional pruning, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Petals: The petals of the rose can be used in culinary applications, such as flavoring syrups, making rose-infused water, or as an elegant edible decoration on cakes and desserts.
- Perfumery: The fragrance of roses is extracted to make essential oils and perfumes, providing a classic scent that has been cherished for centuries.
- Botanical Art: The rose's distinctive form and color can be used in botanical art, where it is portrayed in detail through paintings or illustrations for study and decoration.
- Natural Dyes: Roses can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics, with petals offering various shades of pink to red depending on the method used.
- Rose Water: The petals can be distilled to make rose water, which is used in cooking, especially in Middle Eastern cuisine, to flavor dishes like baklava and rice pudding.
- Rose Hips: After the rose has bloomed and the petals have fallen, the rose hips (the fruit of the rose) can be used to make jams, jellies, and teas rich in Vitamin C.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried rose petals and buds are often included in homemade potpourri mixtures to add a natural and fragrant element to a room.
- Wedding Confetti: Dried petals of roses are used as a biodegradable and romantic option for confetti at weddings, celebrating the union with a shower of natural beauty.
- Companion Planting: Roses can be planted alongside other garden plants to create a diverse ecosystem that may help in deterring certain pests due to their aroma or thorny stems.
- Floral Arrangements: The beauty of roses makes them a popular choice in floral arrangements, wreaths, and bouquets, providing color, texture, and an alluring scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Admiration: As a variety of rose, the 'Crimson Shower' commonly symbolizes deep love and admiration, the intense red color often conveying deep emotions.
- Beauty: Roses are universally admired for their beauty, and the 'Crimson Shower' rose, with its cascading blooms, represents a stunning and captivating beauty.
- Passion: The deep red hue of the 'Crimson Shower' rose is traditionally associated with passion and desire, making it a frequent choice for romantic occasions.
- Mystery: The 'Crimson Shower' rose with its rich color can also symbolize mystery, suggesting an allure that is both profound and secret.
- Devotion: Roses often indicate a steadfast devotion, so 'Crimson Shower' roses may be used to express deep commitment to a person or cause.
WaterCrimson Shower climbing roses should be watered deeply once a week, providing the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to every 4-5 days. If using a watering can or a hose, aim for about 2 gallons per plant for each watering session. Ensure the water reaches the roots and avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. During the winter months, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture when it's not actively growing.
LightClimbing roses like Crimson Shower require full sun to thrive, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these roses is in an area where they can receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded or have dappled sunlight as this can affect the plant's growth and blooming.
TemperatureCrimson Shower climbing roses prefer moderate temperatures and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F but should be protected from harsh frosts. During the hottest parts of summer, they can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F, provided they are well-watered and mulched to help retain soil moisture.
PruningPruning Crimson Shower climbing roses is important to maintain their shape, encourage air circulation, and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas. This climbing rose should also be pruned after flowering to rejuvenate the plant and to encourage more blooms. Prune lightly, focusing on deadheading spent flowers and cutting back by about one third of the plant's size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a climbing rose like 'Crimson Shower' should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of one-third compost, one-third garden soil, and one-third peat or coarse sand with some bone meal worked in is ideal for roses to thrive.
RepottingClimbing roses like 'Crimson Shower' do not need to be repotted often as they are typically planted directly in the ground. However, if they are grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot is necessary to prevent root bounding and to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingClimbing roses like 'Crimson Shower' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions outdoors. They do not require specific humidity levels, but good air circulation is vital to prevent fungal diseases; therefore, avoiding extremely high humidity is beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Crimson Shower' indoors near a sunny window, prune regularly.
Outdoor
Plant 'Crimson Shower' in sunny spot, well-drained soil, prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
'Crimson Shower' is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycleThe life of Crimson Shower Rose (Ra) begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it develops long arching canes and foliage, during which it can be trained or allowed to sprawl naturally. The mature plant enters a flowering phase in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of crimson red, semi-double flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, some roses may produce hips (seed pods), which can be dispersed to propagate new plants. Lastly, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, reducing metabolic activity, which is followed by a new growth cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Crimson Shower', commonly referred to as the Climbing Rose, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is best performed in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible but not too tender. A cutting, ideally about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length, is taken from the current year's growth. The lower leaves are removed to prevent moisture loss, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, which may take several weeks. Care should be taken to maintain the moisture levels and protect the cutting from direct sun until the new plant is well established.
