Climbing Rose Rosa 'Schoolgirl' (ClHT)
ABOUT
The Rosa 'Schoolgirl' is a climbing rose that is known for its enchanting beauty. This plant typically produces large, apricot-orange blossoms that may have a lighter reverse, giving them a bicolored effect. The flowers often present in double forms, meaning they have multiple layers of petals, which create a full and classic rose shape. The petals themselves are soft to the touch, with a velvety texture that is indicative of many rose varieties. These blossoms are usually highly fragrant, emitting a sweet and alluring fragrance that is sure to attract the attention of passersby and pollinators alike. As the plant grows, it develops strong canes that are covered in green leaves with a glossy finish, which serves as a perfect backdrop to the showy blooms. The foliage is lush and helps to create a dense, verdant appearance throughout the growing season. As a climbing rose, the 'Schoolgirl' is often trained to grow on supports such as trellises, arbors, or fences, where it showcases its cascading habit and can create a stunning vertical floral display. The delicately colored flowers may come in small clusters that add to the ornamental appeal of the plant. Throughout its blooming period, which can extend from late spring until the first frosts of fall in some regions, the 'Schoolgirl' rose can be an eye-catching specimen in any garden. The plant is valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its ability to provide vertical interest and a touch of elegance to landscapes and gardens.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Schoolgirl Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Schoolgirl' ClHT.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Rosa 'Schoolgirl', commonly known as a type of climbing rose, is generally not considered toxic to humans. These plants do not contain poisons that are harmful to people and accidental ingestion of rose petals or leaves typically does not cause poisoning. However, roses have thorns that can cause physical injury if handled improperly, and it is always best to be cautious and not ingest plant material that is not designated as food. The risk of consequences from ingesting parts of climbing roses is low, with no substantial documented cases of poisoning.
To pets
The Rosa 'Schoolgirl', commonly referred to as the climbing rose, is not known to be toxic to pets. These plants do not possess substances that are hazardous for animals, so pets that chew on the leaves or petals are unlikely to suffer from poisoning as a result. Nonetheless, caution is advised since the thorns can cause physical injury if a pet tries to chew on the stems. Generally, ingesting parts of the climbing rose does not lead to toxic consequences for pets. However, as with any non-food plant, it is still possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Schoolgirl rose brings a touch of classic beauty to gardens with its large, apricot-orange blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any outdoor space.
- Pleasant Fragrance: This climbing rose variety emits a delightful fragrance that can create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in gardens or patios.
- 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
- Perfume and Scented Products: The blossoms of the climbing rose can be used to infuse oils or alcohols to create rose-scented perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
- Edible Decorations: Petals of the climbing rose can be candied or used fresh as an elegant edible garnish for cakes and desserts.
- Botanical Art: Dried or pressed climbing rose flowers and leaves can be used for creating botanical art pieces or for scrapbooking embellishments.
- Floral Water: Distilling the petals can produce rose water, often used in cooking, especially in Middle Eastern cuisine, to flavor dishes like pastries and rice.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals can be boiled to extract a natural dye, which is used to color fabrics, yarns, or handmade papers.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of climbing rose petals can be captured in essential oils that are used in aromatherapy practices for relaxation and mood enhancement.
- Floral Arrangements: The long stems and attractive blossoms make climbing roses a popular choice for floral arrangements, bouquets, and wedding decorations.
- Symbolic Gifts: Due to their beauty and fragrance, climbing rose plants or cut flowers are often given as gifts that symbolize love and appreciation.
- Workshops and Demonstrations: Climbing roses can be used by gardening experts or enthusiasts to conduct workshops on rose care, pruning, and propagation techniques.
- Culinary Infusions: Rose petals can be infused into syrups, jams, or honey, adding a subtle floral taste to various dishes and sweet treats.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The rose is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love: The rose is universally regarded as a symbol of love and affection. The 'Schoolgirl' climbing rose, with its beguiling blooms, may signify a youthful, innocent love or a fond memory of a first crush.
- Beauty: Roses are often associated with beauty due to their elegant form and range of colors. 'Schoolgirl' has charming apricot-orange flowers that convey admiration for natural beauty.
- Passion: While different colors of roses can indicate various intensities of love, the rose itself is a powerful emblem of passion. This variety could be gifted to represent intense feelings of romance.
- Honor: A rose given to someone may signify respect and recognition of their personal integrity and achievements. The 'Schoolgirl' rose could be used to honor someone for their innocence or accomplishments in youthfulness.
- Friendship: Yellow roses traditionally symbolize friendship and joy. Although 'Schoolgirl' isn't purely yellow, its warm tones can still express friendly sentiments and happiness in a relationship.
- Confidentiality: The term "sub rosa" (under the rose) dates back to ancient times, meaning something is confidential. Giving a 'Schoolgirl' rose could be a beautiful reminder of a shared secret or a private moment.
- Water
Climbing roses like the 'Schoolgirl' rose should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During hot and dry periods, a second watering may be necessary. It's important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant. During the winter, watering can be reduced as the plant goes dormant, only providing water if the soil is very dry.
- Light
The 'Schoolgirl' climbing rose thrives in full sunlight. The best spot for planting is where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally more. Avoid planting it in full shade, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and an increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Partial shade is acceptable, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense heat.
- Temperature
The 'Schoolgirl' climbing rose performs best in temperate conditions, thriving in a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. However, it is quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F during dormancy in the winter and withstand summer heat upwards of 90°F. To ensure healthy growth, avoid placing it in areas where temperatures drop below 20°F for extended periods.
- Pruning
Pruning the 'Schoolgirl' climbing rose helps to maintain the plant's shape, encourage air circulation, and promote vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded areas, and cut back old flowering stems to a couple of inches above a strong bud. Shape the plant as desired and tie climbing canes to supports. It's recommended to prune annually.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Climbing roses like 'Schoolgirl' require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal, ensuring nutrients and proper drainage. An annual layer of organic mulch will help maintain soil conditions.
- Repotting
Climbing roses like 'Schoolgirl' are typically not repotted as they are hardy shrubs planted outdoors. They can live in the same spot for many years without the need for repotting. Prune roots only if transplanting.
- Humidity & Misting
Climbing roses like 'Schoolgirl' prefer outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated. Average ambient humidity is generally suitable; excessive humidity should be avoided to prevent disease.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, good air flow, and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Rosa 'Schoolgirl', commonly known as the Climbing Rose, begins with seed germination, where the seeds need a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once sprouted, the seedling stage involves the development of a basic root system and the first shoots emerge. As it enters the vegetative stage, foliage expands, and the plant develops stronger stems and more complex root systems. This is followed by the flowering stage, where buds form and eventually bloom into the characteristic fragrant flowers during the growing season. After pollination, which can be aided by various pollinators including bees and butterflies, the plant may produce hips (fruit), containing seeds for the next generation. Finally, in the dormancy stage during colder months, the climbing rose may shed its leaves and undergo a period of rest before the cycle restarts with the return of favorable conditions.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Schoolgirl', commonly known as a climbing rose, is most successfully propagated in late winter or early spring through a method known as semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique involves taking a cutting from a healthy stem that is not too young, typically around 6 inches long (about 15 centimeters), ensuring at least two to three sets of leaves are present. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and a slanted cut is made just below a leaf node. The base of the cutting is then treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. To maintain a high humidity environment, which is crucial for rooting, the cutting may be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a small greenhouse. The cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating and should be consistently moist. Successful rooting generally takes several weeks, after which the new climbing rose plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted in their final location.