Seven Sisters Rose Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' is a rose that is admired for its showy flowers and lush foliage. This plant features clusters of small, creamy white blossoms that have a charming cupped and quartered shape. The flowers are richly scented, offering a sweet and captivating fragrance when in bloom. Surrounding the flowers is a backdrop of dense, glossy, dark green leaves that provide a striking contrast to the softness of the petals. The stems of this rose are clothed with thorns, which are typical of rose plants. These thorns help protect the plant from browsing animals. The overall appearance of Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' is one of classic beauty, with its romantic flowers and robust growth habit creating an elegant display in any garden setting. The blooms typically appear in abundance during their flowering season, creating a stunning visual effect.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Felicite Perpetue Rose, Climbing Rose Felicite Perpetue
Common names
Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' (Ra).
ToxicityTo humans
The Climbing Rose, which is what Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' is commonly known as, generally is not considered toxic to humans. They do not contain any known toxic substances that could lead to poisoning if ingested. Therefore, you can enjoy the beauty of the Climbing Rose without worrying about toxicity. It is important to note, however, that ingesting any plant material may potentially cause discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not explicitly meant for consumption.
To pets
The Climbing Rose, referring to the Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue', is generally safe and is not toxic to pets. Roses do not contain substances that are harmful to pets if ingested in small quantities. However, the thorns on rose bushes could cause physical injuries, such as scratches or puncture wounds. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of foliage or stems, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to the unusual material, but not poisoning. It is always advisable to supervise pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on any non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue' is prized for its beautiful creamy white flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Scented Flowers: It emits a pleasant fragrance, which can contribute to a sensory garden experience.
- Historical Significance: Dating back to the early 19th century, the plant has historical value and can be used in heritage gardens and period landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, while the dense foliage can offer shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
- Durability: Known for its hardiness, it can withstand various climate conditions and is relatively easy to maintain, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.
- Long Blooming Season: With a longer blooming season than some other rose species, it ensures prolonged color and interest in the garden.
- Vertical Landscaping: As a climbing rose, it can be trained on structures like trellises and pergolas, adding a vertical element to the garden design.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Climbing support for other plants: Felicite Perpetual rose can be used as a natural scaffolding for lightweight climbing plants, offering them a stable structure to grow upon.
- Crafting botanical jewelry: The small blooms and leaves of Felicite Perpetual rose can be dried and encased in resin to create unique botanical jewelry pieces.
- Natural dye: The petals of Felicite Perpetual rose can be boiled to produce a light pink natural dye for fabrics, yarns, or paper.
- Culinary garnish: Fresh petals of Felicite Perpetual rose can add an elegant touch when used as an edible garnish for desserts and salads.
- Floral photography subject: With its abundant clusters of flowers, Felicite Perpetual rose makes an excellent subject for macro and close-up floral photography.
- Scented sachets: Dried petals and leaves can be used to fill sachets, providing a delicate fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Biodegradable confetti: Petals of Felicite Perpetual rose can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Herbal smoking blends: Dried petals of Felicite Perpetual rose can be incorporated into herbal smoking blends for those looking for tobacco alternatives.
- Potpourri ingredient: The rose petals and hips can be dried and mixed with other botanicals to create aromatic potpourri for home fragrance.
- Rose water: Petals can be distilled to make rose water, which can be used in cooking or as a natural room spray.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rambler rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rambler rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a rose, 'Félicité Perpétue' commonly symbolizes love. The full, lush bloom of the rose has long been associated with deep emotion and affection.
- Perpetual Happiness: The name 'Félicité Perpétue' itself translates to 'perpetual happiness', suggesting a lasting joy and contentment.
- Endurance and Continuity: The 'perpetual' aspect of its name indicates a sense of enduring or ongoing nature, thus symbolizing the continuity of feelings or relationships.
- Eternity or Timelessness: Roses in general often represent eternity due to their cycle of blooming and fading, and 'Félicité Perpétue', with its connotation of endlessness, echoes this timeless quality.
- Beauty: The rose is universally acknowledged as a symbol of beauty, and 'Félicité Perpétue', with its climbing habit and abundant flowers, exemplifies this.
WaterThe Rambler Rose, commonly known as Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development. During its active growth period, typically in spring and summer, it should be watered once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant. In the absence of rainfall, adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter to prevent waterlogging, especially in colder climates. It's essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained and to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases.
LightThe Rambler Rose thrives best in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to perform optimally. The ideal spot for a Rambler Rose is in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching. They can tolerate some light shade but flowering may be reduced. Avoid heavy shade areas as this will severely impact the flowering and health of the plant.
TemperatureFor the Rambler Rose, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 65°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to 20°F once established but should be protected from extreme cold. Sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided, and in areas where winter temperatures drop below the survival range, mulching or winter protection is recommended.
PruningPruning is essential for the Rambler Rose to remove dead or diseased wood and to promote airflow, which reduces disease risk. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, after the last frost. Rambler Roses are often pruned lightly to shape the plant and encourage flowering on the previous year's canes; they do not require heavy pruning like other roses.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Seven Sisters Rose thrives in a well-drained garden loam with some organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingSeven Sisters Roses are garden plants and typically not repotted; they are pruned and maintained in the ground.
Humidity & MistingSeven Sisters Roses prefer outdoor conditions where humidity is natural; they don't require specific humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; requires sunlight, space.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Félicité Perpétue' (commonly known as Climbing Rose) begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly as a grafted plant from nursery stock. After planting, it enters a period of vegetative growth, producing stems, leaves, and roots. When mature enough, the Climbing Rose starts its flowering stage, developing numerous small, creamy-white flowers in large clusters, usually blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects or the wind, the flowers may produce small, hard fruits called hips containing seeds. If conditions permit, those seeds can germinate to produce new plants. In temperate regions, the rose will undergo a period of dormancy in the winter before resuming growth in the spring, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Félicité Perpétue', commonly known as the Climbing Rose, is best propagated through hardwood cuttings. This method is often carried out during the plant's dormant period, typically in late fall or early winter. To propagate by hardwood cuttings, gardeners should select a healthy, mature stem from the desired rose bush and cut a section of about 6 to 8 inches in length (15 to 20 centimeters). The cut should be made at a 45-degree angle, just below a bud at the base and just above a bud at the top. The bottom two-thirds of the cutting should be stripped of leaves, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture, with two-thirds of its length buried and secured in place. It requires consistent moisture and protection from extreme weather until roots establish and new growth appears.
