Harblend Climbing Rose Rosa Della Balfour = 'Harblend' (PBR) (ClHT)
ABOUT
The Rosa Della Balfour, commonly referred to as a climbing rose, showcases a delightful array of flowers that are remarkable for their full, ruffled appearance. The blooms exude a classic charm with their lavishly layered petals, which unfurl to reveal a sumptuous deep pink hue. These blossoms are not only visually stunning but also emit an intoxicating fragrance that can enliven any garden space. The individual flowers bloom in generous clusters, creating a spectacular floral display that can span a significant portion of the plant. The foliage of the Rosa Della Balfour is equally impressive, with leaves that are glossy and dark green, forming a lush backdrop that accentuates the vibrant pink of the flowers. The glossy leaves often provide a striking contrast with the matte finish of the petals, which further enhances the plant's ornamental appeal. This climbing rose showcases a vigorous growth habit, evident in the robust stems that are dotted with thorns—a characteristic trait of many rose varieties. These strong stems enable the plant to support the weight of the blooms and to climb if given adequate support. Due to its climbing nature, the Rosa Della Balfour holds the potential to serve as an exquisite living decoration on walls, trellises, or fences, lending a romantic and enchanting atmosphere to garden settings. Overall, the Rosa Della Balfour's appearance is one of opulence and grace, making it a sought-after addition to any garden that aims to capture the timeless beauty of traditional rose cultivars.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Della Balfour Rose, Harblend Rose.
Common names
Rosa 'Harblend'
- Toxicity
To humans
The climbing rose is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant, especially in large quantities, could potentially cause discomfort or an upset stomach due to the plant's natural defense mechanisms. It is not commonly associated with serious poisoning or severe symptoms in humans.
To pets
The climbing rose is not typically toxic to pets. While not poisonous, ingestion of the plant material could result in mild gastrointestinal upset for some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to mechanical irritation or natural compounds present in the plant. However, serious cases of poisoning are not common from climbing roses.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
General benefits:
- Visual Appeal: The plant features attractive blooms that enhance the aesthetics of any garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Disease Resistance: This variety has been bred for improved resistance to common rose diseases.
- Versatility: Suitable for various garden styles and can be used as a climber or in borders.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long season of color with its repeated blooming cycles.
- Scent: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, adding sensory enjoyment to the garden space.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Hardiness: Capable of withstanding a range of climatic conditions within its hardiness zones.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers seasonal interest with its flowers in bloom and attractive foliage.
- Landscape Function: Can be used to cover unsightly walls or fences, providing a natural screen.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- As an artistic natural dye: The petals of the climbing rose can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, art projects, and even inks, offering various shades of pink depending on processing technique.
- In homemade cosmetics: The petals can be infused in oils or distilled to create natural rosewater, which is used as a fragrance and moisturizing ingredient in lotions, creams, and homemade lip balms.
- As a flavoring for beverages: The petals can add a subtle rose flavor to drinks like lemonades, herbal teas, and cocktails when infused in the liquid.
- In culinary garnishes: Petals of the climbing rose can be used fresh or candied as a decorative, edible addition to desserts and some savory dishes.
- For bath products: The petals can be used to make homemade bath bombs, soaks, and salts for a luxurious, fragrant bathing experience.
- As a natural potpourri: Dried petals can be mixed with other dried herbs and flowers to create a fragrant potpourri for freshening indoor air.
- In crafting homemade paper: Petals can be included in the process of papermaking, being embedded into the paper to create a decorative effect.
- For botanical sachets: Dried petals can be enclosed in fabric to create scented sachets for drawers, closets, or even as favors for events like weddings.
- In photo shoots and events: Fresh or dried petals can be used as a natural confetti or decor for photographing events to create a romantic or whimsical ambiance.
- As an educational tool: The plant can be used in school projects or gardening clubs to teach about plant growth, cultivation, and reproduction of flowering plants.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The climbing rose is not typically associated with Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The climbing rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: The rose is universally recognized as a symbol of love, romance, and passion, often used to convey deep emotions and affection.
- Beauty: Roses are widely appreciated for their beauty and are often associated with physical and inner attractiveness.
- Mystery or Secrecy: A rose can symbolize confidentiality or secrecy, with a tradition stemming from the Latin phrase "sub rosa" (under the rose) indicating a private or secret matter.
- Honor: Giving a rose can be a way of showing respect or paying homage to someone.
- Water
For the climbing rose 'Harblend', it is important to water deeply rather than frequently, ensuring the water reaches the roots. This means you might provide about 1 gallon per bush during each watering session during the growing season, about once a week under normal conditions. However, in extremely hot or dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. It's best to water in the morning to allow any moisture on the leaves to dry during the day, which helps prevent disease. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
- Light
Climbing roses like the 'Harblend' thrive in areas where they receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Place the plant in a spot that gets direct sunlight to encourage robust growth and greater flower production. Partial shade is tolerable, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but too much shade can lead to sparser blooms and weaker plants.
- Temperature
The 'Harblend' climbing rose prefers temperatures within the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during their dormant winter period. To ensure successful growth, avoid planting in spots where the temperature can drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.
- Pruning
Prune the 'Harblend' climbing rose to encourage healthy growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and to shape the plant. The best time for major pruning is in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Cut out any dead or damaged canes, and thin out the plant to improve air circulation. Additionally, during the growing season, snip off spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage more flowers.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for the climbing rose should be well-draining, fertile, and loamy with added organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The ideal pH for climbing roses, including 'Harblend', ranges from 6.0 to 6.5.
- Repotting
Climbing roses, including 'Harblend', don't need repotting as they are typically planted directly in the ground. However, replace the top layer of soil with fresh compost annually.
- Humidity & Misting
Climbing roses like 'Harblend' prefer outdoor conditions where the natural humidity is sufficient, typically not requiring specific humidity levels when grown outdoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, regular watering, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, with sturdy support.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa Della Balfour, commonly known as the climbing rose, begins with seed germination, where the seed requires a period of cold stratification before it sprouts. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant, establishing a root system and producing its first leaves. As it matures, the climbing rose enters a vegetative state, growing canes and foliage, and increases in size. After a year or two, depending on the variety and growing conditions, the plant will start developing buds that will blossom into flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by fruit, called hips, which contain seeds, potentially completing the cycle if they fall to the ground and germinate. The climbing rose is a perennial plant, going through cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy annually for many years when properly cared for.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Rosa Della Balfour, commonly known as a climbing rose, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late summer or early autumn when the plant's growth begins to slow and the stems are not fully hardened. A semi-hardwood cutting is taken from the current year's growth and should be about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) long. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. This is covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagation case to maintain high humidity around the cutting. Roots typically develop within several weeks to a few months, after which the new climbing rose plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out into the garden.