Mulligan's Rose Rosa 'Mulliganii' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Mulliganii', commonly known as climbing rose, is characterized by its vigorous climbing habit. The plant sports an abundance of large, lush green leaves that create a backdrop for its stunning floral display. The flowers are typically a creamy white color, showcasing a delicate and romantic appearance. Blooms are often arranged in generous clusters, which adds to the plant's visual impact. Each flower exhibits a classic rose shape with multiple layers of petals unfurling from the center, exuding a gentle yet mesmerizing fragrance that can attract both people and pollinators to the garden. The climbing rose's cascading growth allows it to drape elegantly over structures, making it an excellent choice for trellises, arbors, and fences, where it can add vertical interest and a sense of enchantment to the landscape. Overall, the appearance of Rosa 'Mulliganii' is one of timeless beauty, combining lush foliage with opulent, sweet-scented blooms.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Mulligan's Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Mulliganii'
- Toxicity
To humans
Rosa 'Mulliganii', commonly known as the Climbing Rose, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting significant quantities of any plant material may cause a mild stomach upset. Always practice caution and consult a medical professional if any unexpected symptoms occur after handling or ingesting plant matter.
To pets
Rosa 'Mulliganii', known as the Climbing Rose to pet owners, possesses no known toxic properties that would harm pets. As with humans, the ingestion of large amounts of plant material may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet displays adverse reactions or symptoms after ingesting parts of the plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
20 feet [6 meters]
Spread
10 feet [3 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Rosa 'Mulliganii', commonly known as climbing rose, provides visual interest with its abundant and large cascades of white flowers, enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant offers habitat and food resources for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Shade and Cooling: When trained over arbors or pergolas, climbing roses like the Rosa 'Mulliganii' create shade, which can reduce local ambient temperatures and create comfortable outdoor living spaces.
- Privacy and Screening: They can be used to create a natural, living screen, providing privacy in garden areas or covering unsightly structures.
- Erosion Control: These climbers, with their extensive root systems, can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in certain landscaping scenarios.
- Fragrance: Rosa 'Mulliganii' is noted for its pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Supports Local Ecosystems: By providing flowers throughout its blooming season, it supports the local ecosystem through the production of seeds and fruits that can serve as food for wildlife.
- 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
- Rosa 'Mulligani' can be used in the production of natural dyes, as petals from roses are often used to create varying shades of pink and purple dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- The plant's strong canes and growth habit can be used for creating living structures or rose tunnels in gardens to add an element of whimsy and natural beauty.
- Rose water made from 'Mulligani' petals can be used in culinary recipes to give a subtle floral flavor to pastries, desserts, and some savory dishes.
- The petals can be used in crafting biodegradable confetti, a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic options.
- Its petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes to add a natural fragrance to homes.
- When dried, the petals can be used in sachets as a natural moth repellent for wardrobes and drawers.
- Rosehips, the fruit of the 'Mulligani', can be used to make jellies, syrups, and teas after the blooming season.
- The petals can serve as a decorative and flavorful addition to ice cubes, making a unique aesthetic touch to drinks for special occasions.
- They can be used in bath bombs and other homemade bath products, providing a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience.
- With proper training and care, Rosa 'Mulligani' can be shaped into a floral curtain for outdoor garden backdrops or event spaces.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Climbing Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Climbing Rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: As a member of the rose family, Rosa 'Mulliganii' commonly symbolizes love, with the flower often representing deep affection and emotional warmth.
- Beauty: Roses are widely regarded as a symbol of beauty and perfection due to their lush petals and appealing form, and Rosa 'Mulliganii' is no exception.
- Honor: Historically, roses have been used to symbolize honor and reverence, making them suitable for solemn occasions and to pay respect.
- Devotion: The rose's association with love also extends to devotion, where the giving of a rose indicates a commitment to the relationship it represents.
- Secrecy: Tied to ancient traditions, roses were once placed in meeting spaces to demand confidentiality, thus the term sub rosa (under the rose) indicates something that is supposed to remain secret.
- Water
The Climbing Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water for each plant. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. The soil should be moistened to a depth of about 18 inches, ensuring that the roots have adequate moisture. Always water the base of the rosebush to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In cooler weather or if your soil retains moisture well, reduce the water to every two weeks to prevent overwatering.
- Light
Climbing Roses thrive in locations that receive full sun for at least six hours a day. The ideal spot for these roses is in a garden area that gets direct morning sunlight and some partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, although they can tolerate full sun all day. Avoid planting them where buildings or other plants will cast shadow for the majority of the day, as adequate sunlight is crucial for flower production and overall health.
- Temperature
Climbing Roses prefer temperate climates and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, although harsher winters may require additional protection like mulching around the base. They flourish best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F to 75°F. Extreme heat over 100°F can stress the plant, but with sufficient water and care, they can survive short periods of high temperatures.
- Pruning
Pruning Climbing Roses is essential to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged canes and opening up the center of the plant to improve air circulation. You should also prune right after the first bloom to shape the plant and encourage another round of flowers. Climbing roses typically have a main pruning period once a year, but light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape and remove spent blooms.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Lady Banks Rose thrives best in well-draining and fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. A recipe for the best soil mix would include equal parts of topsoil, compost, and aged manure or perlite to ensure drainage and fertility. Amend clay or sandy soils accordingly to improve structure and water retention.
- Repotting
Lady Banks Roses, being vigorous climbers, are typically planted in the ground and rarely need repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years during dormant season to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Lady Banks Rose is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does best in ambient outdoor conditions. It does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted in the garden.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and good air flow for Lady Banks Rose.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and give space to climb for Lady Banks Rose.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Rosa 'Mulliganii', commonly known as Climbing Rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen. Upon planting, it enters a growth phase where new shoots emerge from buds, developing into canes with leaves and eventually producing multiple clusters of fragrant white flowers typically in late spring to early summer. As flowering ceases, some roses may produce small, fleshy fruit known as rose hips in the late summer or fall, containing seeds that can potentially give rise to new plants if conditions allow. Through the growing season, the Climbing Rose will undergo vegetative growth and potentially additional blooming cycles, especially if spent flowers are deadheaded to encourage more blooms. With the approach of winter, it enters a period of dormancy where growth slows and the plant conserves energy; in colder climates, the rose may require protection. As the cycle repeats with the return of spring, the rose will break dormancy, resuming growth and blooming annually for many years with proper care and maintenance.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Rosa 'Mulliganii', also known as the Mulligan’s Rose, can be propagated most popularly through hardwood cuttings. This method involves selecting healthy, mature stems from the current or past season's growth in late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant. These stems are cut into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and are usually planted in moist sand or a mix of peat and perlite. The lower end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development before planting. A critical step is ensuring that the cutting is placed in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight, and kept at a consistent humidity level to encourage rooting without causing rot. Roots typically emerge within several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and planted in its final location.