Mermaid Rose Rosa 'Mermaid' (Cl)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Mermaid' (Cl), commonly known as 'Mermaid' rose, is a climbing rose variety that is celebrated for its distinctive and attractive appearance. This plant typically bears large, single flowers that have a unique and elegant look. The blooms are a pale, creamy yellow or sometimes a soft apricot hue, with a rather open structure that reveals a central cluster of prominent golden yellow stamens. These striking flowers tend to be quite fragrant, which adds to the allure of this climber. The foliage of the 'Mermaid' rose is equally attractive, consisting of large, glossy, and leathery leaves. The leaves are a deep green color, creating a lush and vibrant backdrop for the lighter-colored flowers. The stems of this climbing variety are often adorned with numerous thorns, which help the plant to anchor itself as it climbs. Throughout its blooming season, the 'Mermaid' rose will repeatedly produce flowers, which can create quite a spectacular display. This rose is appreciated for its robustness and ability to provide a consistent floral show given the right conditions and care. Its distinct appearance makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to add a touch of whimsy and old-world charm to trellises, walls, or other support structures in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Mermaid Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Mermaid' (Cl)
ToxicityTo humans
The Mermaid rose, as it is commonly known, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting this plant. As with any plant, individual allergies can occur, but typically, roses are not harmful if consumed in small amounts. Of course, any plant material can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. The main concern with roses tends to be the thorns, which can cause physical injury rather than poisoning.
To pets
The Mermaid rose is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. It is not known to cause any serious poisoning symptoms if ingested by cats, dogs, or other household pets. However, similar to humans, pets can experience mild stomach upset if they consume a large portion of the plant. The thorns on the stems can also pose a risk of physical injury to pets. It's always best to prevent pets from chewing on plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Mermaid Climbing Rose is known for its large, single pale yellow flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: It can be trained to climb on walls, trellises, fences, and arbors, offering a versatile solution for vertical gardening spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: This rose variety typically offers a long flowering season, providing visual interest from late spring to fall.
- Aroma: The flowers emit a light to moderate tea fragrance that can be pleasing to people and attract pollinators like bees.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its blooms are attractive to pollinators, providing food for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Shade Tolerance: While it performs best in full sun, the Mermaid Climbing Rose can tolerate partial shade, offering landscaping options in lesser sunlit areas.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it exhibits a degree of drought resistance, making it suitable for planting in areas with periodic water shortages.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary decoration: Petals from the 'Mermaid' rose can be used to adorn cakes and desserts, adding an elegant touch to the presentation.
- Natural fabric dye: The blossoms can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a soft, yellow hue.
- Floral baths: Petals can be scattered in a bath for a luxurious, fragrant bathing experience.
- Photography prop: The 'Mermaid' rose and its large, picturesque blooms serve as an excellent prop for photographers, especially in garden and romance-themed photo shoots.
- Floral art: The pliable stems and large flowers can be used in floral art and installations, creating striking displays.
- Craft projects: Dried petals can be incorporated into craft projects, such as homemade potpourri, candles, or floral paper.
- Book pressing: The blooms are suitable for pressing and can be used in pressed flower art or to make a personal herbarium.
- Natural confetti: Dried, crumbled petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations like weddings or garden parties.
- Floral water: The petals can be steeped in water to create a scented floral water, used for freshening linen or space.
- Scent pouches: Dried petals can be enclosed in fabric pouches to create natural sachets for scenting drawers and closets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mermaid Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mermaid Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The rose is universally regarded as a symbol of love, and the 'Mermaid' climbing rose, with its large, beautiful blooms, is no exception. It evokes romantic love and often communicates deep affection and emotional intimacy.
- Beauty: With its attractive form and color, the 'Mermaid' rose symbolizes beauty, both in a physical and an inner sense, reminding us of the allure and elegance found in nature.
- Pureness: The bright, pale yellow hues of the 'Mermaid' rose petals are often associated with purity, innocence, and chastity, representing clean and untainted love or sentiment.
- Passion: While different colors of roses can suggest varying degrees of passion, the vigor with which the 'Mermaid' rose climbs and blossoms can be seen as a metaphor for the intensity and ardor of passionate feelings.
- Mystery: The 'Mermaid' rose, with its unique appearance and less common occurrence, can symbolize mystery or the elusive, hinting at hidden depths and secrets waiting to be discovered.
WaterThe Mermaid climbing rose requires consistent moisture to thrive, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightThe Mermaid climbing rose requires full sun to produce the best blooms and maintain a healthy growth habit. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for the plant is in an area that gets ample morning sunlight with some partial shade during the hottest part of the day to protect the blooms and foliage.
TemperatureThe Mermaid climbing rose thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but requires protection from harsh winter cold. To encourage prolific blooming, keep the rose in a location where it can enjoy warm days followed by cooler nights within the ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning the Mermaid climbing rose helps maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded areas. Annual pruning is recommended, cutting back about one-third of the plant's overall size, and shaping as desired. The best time to prune is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMermaid Rose prefers a well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal soil mix can be created using one-third loam, one-third leaf mold or compost, and one-third well-rotted manure or similar organic compost. Ensuring good drainage and adding a layer of mulch will help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingMermaid Rose, being a climbing rose, does not require frequent repotting and is typically planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in a container, repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingThe Mermaid Rose prefers average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the natural humidity levels found in most garden environments without the need for additional humidity modifications.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, regular watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure rich soil, moderate water, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Mermaid Rose (Rosa 'Mermaid') begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen with young shoots. Once planted, it enters a growth phase, sprouting leaves and new canes in the early spring, thriving in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. As it matures, typically within its second year, it blooms large, pale yellow to creamy flowers from late spring through fall, providing it's deadheaded regularly to encourage repeat flowering. After blooming, if the flowers are left untouched, they may develop into small red or orange hips, which contain seeds, though Mermaid Roses are often propagated through cuttings for true-to-type plants. The plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, where it conserves energy and may require pruning to maintain shape and health. The cycle begins anew in the spring, with the rose rejuvenating from its base and repeating the flowering process annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Rosa 'Mermaid' (Cl), commonly known as the Mermaid climbing rose, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer, when the plant's new growth is still flexible but slightly matured. To propagate by this method, one would cut a section of stem about 6 to 8 inches long, with several leaves attached. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the lower leaves removed to prevent rot. The soil should be kept moist until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. Providing a humid environment by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator can improve success rates.
