Climbing Rose Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' (ClF)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' is commonly known as a rose. This particular variety is recognized for its showy, distinct flowers. The roses bloom in clusters and exhibit a beautiful blend of colors, often with pinkish hues that can range from soft, pastel pink to deeper shades. The petals are classically shaped with a velvety texture, and they exude a delightful fragrance that is characteristic of many rose varieties. Foliage on this rose is typically lush and green, creating a striking contrast with the vibrant blossoms. The leaves are usually glossy with a leathery feel, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. The stems may have thorns which are common among rose plants, serving as a defense mechanism as well as support for the heavy blooms. Overall, the appearance of Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' is a picturesque display of elegant roses that can add beauty and fragrance to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Director Benschop Climbing Rose, Climbing Director Benschop
Common names
Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' ClF.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the climbing rose is not considered poisonous to humans. There are no significant toxins in the plant that would result in serious poisoning if ingested. However, eating large quantities of rose hips, leaves, or petals may cause stomach discomfort due to the physical nature of the plant material, rather than chemical toxicity.
To pets
The climbing rose is not known to be toxic to pets. Similar to humans, pets are unlikely to experience serious poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, consumption of rose plants, including the hips, leaves, and thorns, can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. It is always a good practice to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-15 feet (1.5-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its deep pink flowers.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory appeal of an outdoor space.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Tolerance: Able to grow in partially shaded areas, where other sun-loving roses might not thrive.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in borders, beds, and as a standalone feature, or can be trained to climb on structures.
- Durable Blooms: Flowers are long-lasting and can endure through various weather conditions.
- Cut Flowers: Blossoms can be used in floral arrangements, maintaining their beauty even when cut.
- Privacy: When grown as a hedge or a climber on fences, can provide a degree of privacy and screening.
- Cultural Significance: Roses are often associated with love and beauty, making them a popular choice for gardens with thematic designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: Climbing roses such as Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' can be used to create a soft, natural dye for fabrics, giving textiles a unique and subtle hue.
- Floral Water: Petals from this rose can be distilled to create fragrant floral water, which can be used for perfuming rooms or linens.
- Botanical Photography: With its beautiful blooms, this rose can be a captivating subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Culinary Decoration: The petals of Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' are edible and can be used to adorn cakes and desserts for a touch of elegance.
- Floral Crafts: The petals and hips can be used in making potpourri, wreaths, or dried flower arrangements for home decor.
- Skin Care Products: Crushed petals can be used in homemade skin care scrubs and masks for a gentle exfoliating property.
- Rose Water Ice Cubes: Freeze rose water made from the petals to create scented ice cubes, perfect for adding a floral touch to drinks and cocktails.
- Scenting Homemade Candles: The scent of this rose can be infused into wax to make aromatic candles for a relaxing ambiance.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant color and form of the roses can serve as a muse for artists creating paintings, illustrations, or textile designs.
- Educational Use: This plant can be used in horticultural studies or workshops to educate about climbing rose varieties and their care.
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: The rose is universally symbolic of love and affection. Different colors convey different meanings, but the rose generally signifies deep emotion and desire.
- Beauty: Roses are widely appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, representing grace, elegance, and perfection.
- Secrecy: Historically, the Latin phrase "sub rosa" (under the rose) meant confidentiality. A rose on a table signified that all spoken was to be kept secret.
- Honor: A rose can symbolize recognition and respect for great achievements or qualities.
- Devotion: As a symbol of enduring passion, the rose can also represent devotion and loyalty in relationships.
- Balance: The beauty of the rose expresses promise, hope, and new beginnings with its contrasting thorns signifying defense and loss.
- Wisdom: A rose can symbolize the complexity of knowledge, particularly when shared with love and care.
WaterThe climbing rose variety 'Direktör Benschop' should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system, typically receiving about 1-2 gallons per week depending on the weather conditions. During the growing season and in the absence of rainfall, water the roses once or twice a week. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy. During extreme heat, additional watering may be necessary but always check the soil moisture before doing so.
LightClimbing roses, including the 'Direktör Benschop', thrive best in full sunlight. They should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in a spot that gets morning sun, which is less intense and helps dry dew off the leaves, reducing the risk of disease. Ensure there is also good air circulation around the plant.
TemperatureThe 'Direktör Benschop' climbing rose prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures exceeding 90°F, but prolonged exposure to these extremes might stress the plant. To ensure the best health and flowering, maintain a consistent temperature within the ideal range when possible.
PruningPrune climbing roses like 'Direktör Benschop' to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, and cut back side shoots on the main canes to a couple of inches to encourage flowering. Prune regularly to rejuvenate older plants and encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClimbing roses like Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' thrive in rich, loamy soil with good drainage and a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. Amend garden soil with compost and aged manure to increase fertility, and consider a balanced slow-release fertilizer for optimal growth.
RepottingClimbing roses like Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' are typically not repotted as they are grown outdoors; however, they should be planted in a location where they can remain undisturbed for many years, as these plants do not like to be moved once established.
Humidity & MistingClimbing roses like Rosa 'Direktör Benschop' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and can thrive outdoors in various climates without needing specific humidity adjustments as long as they are kept well-watered during dry periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, ample water, and prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, prune annually, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Rosa 'Direktör Benschop', commonly known as the Director Benschop Climbing Rose, begins with seed germination, where under suitable conditions the seed produces a small seedling. This progresses to the vegetative stage, where the plant establishes a root system and foliage through photosynthesis to gather energy for growth. The climber then enters a period of vigorous growth, extending canes and developing compound leaves. Following this, the rose reaches the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where buds form and bloom into characteristic large, fragrant flowers. After pollination, often involving insects like bees, the flowers develop into fruit known as rose hips in late summer or autumn. The plant then goes into dormancy during the winter, reducing metabolic activity before resuming growth in the next cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Direktör Benschop', commonly known as the 'Director Benschop' climbing rose, is best propagated during its dormancy period, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring. The most popular method of propagation for climbing roses is by cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, one should select healthy, non-flowering shoots that have a few leaves attached. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, with a slanting cut beneath a node. The bottom leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The prepared cuttings are then placed in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots develop. This process often requires patience, as it can take several weeks for roots to form.
