Sombreuil Climbing Rose Rosa 'Sombreuil' (ClT)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Sombreuil' is an elegant climbing rose known for its picturesque flowers and graceful growth habit. This rose variety showcases large, creamy white blossoms that have a classic, flat, quartered form. Each flower possesses a soft, alluring fragrance which adds to its romantic appeal. The blooms are abundantly filled with delicate, ruffled petals arranged in a dense, intricate pattern that exudes a vintage charm. These flowers are set against the backdrop of the plant's lush, dark green foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the purity of the petals. The leaves are glossy and have a leathery texture, providing a healthy and vigorous appearance throughout the growing season. This climber can be trained to ascend on trellises, walls, and other supports, where it will spread its canes and create an impressive floral display. Throughout its blooming period, which often spans from late spring to early fall, Rosa 'Sombreuil' continues to produce its enchanting flowers, which are also popular as cut flowers due to their size and beauty. Overall, the plant exudes an air of sophistication and old-world beauty, making it a cherished addition to gardens that aim to recreate the look and feel of a classic English garden or any romantic landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Climbing Sombreuil, Colonial White, Sombreuil Tea Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Sombreuil' (ClT)
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Rosa 'Sombreuil' (ClT) is the Climbing Rose. Climbing Roses are not considered toxic to humans. In general, rose species are not poisonous, and there are no significant consequences associated with ingesting parts of this plant. However, it is never recommended to eat plants not meant for consumption as they could cause minor stomach upset due to being indigestible or due to pesticides and herbicides that might be on the plant.
To pets
The common name for Rosa 'Sombreuil' (ClT) is the Climbing Rose. Climbing Roses are not toxic to pets. Both dogs and cats can be around Climbing Roses without the risk of poisoning as they are considered non-toxic to animals. If a pet were to ingest a part of this plant, it is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, unless the plant has been treated with chemicals such as pesticides that could be harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Spread
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
France
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Value: The Rosa 'Sombreuil' (Climbing Tea Rose) adds beauty to gardens with its elegant white to creamy white flowers.
- Fragrance: This climbing rose emits a strong, sweet fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of a garden space.
- Pollinator Attraction: Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers, which can help pollinate other plants in the area.
- Versatility: Suitable for trellises, arbors, fences, and walls, it can be used to create vertical gardening elements.
- Shade Provision: Once established, they can provide shade as they climb and spread over structures.
- Habitat Creation: They can offer shelter and nesting sites for certain species of birds.
- Privacy: Thick growth can help provide a natural privacy screen when grown along borders or fences.
- Seasonal Interest: Climbing Tea Roses provide year-round interest with their evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decorations: The petals of the Sombreuil rose can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, providing a subtle floral flavor and an elegant appearance.
- Bath Additives: Fresh or dried petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious, fragrant bathing experience.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of the rose can be used to naturally dye fabrics, giving them a beautiful pink hue.
- Herbal Sachets: Dried Sombreuil rose petals can be placed in sachets to freshen up drawers and closets with their delicate scent.
- Essential Oil Production: Although not a primary source, the petals may be used for producing essential oils for use in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Preserves and Syrups: With its edible petals, the rose can be used to create floral-flavored jams, jellies, or syrups for use in culinary applications.
- Wedding Confetti: Biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than paper confetti, dried rose petals serve as a natural option for celebratory events.
- Greeting Cards and Paper: The petals can be incorporated into handmade paper or used as embellishments for greeting cards and invitations.
- Candle Making: Rose petals can be embedded in candles for decoration and to impart a subtle fragrance when the candle is burned.
- Floral Water Ice Cubes: Freeze petals in ice cubes to add a romantic and refreshing touch to cold drinks or punch bowls.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Climbing Rose is not commonly mentioned in traditional Feng Shui practice. However, in general terms, roses can be used to enhance love and romance within a space, particularly in the southwest area of a garden or home, which is associated with love and marriage. Roses can also create a sense of tranquility and positive energy when placed in living areas.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Climbing Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, 'Sombreuil' roses conventionally symbolize love and deep affection, reminiscent of their widespread use as romantic gestures.
- Beauty: The 'Sombreuil' rose, with its elegant form and stunning ivory to white blooms, represents the ideal of timeless and classic beauty.
- Innocence: The white petals of the 'Sombreuil' are often associated with purity and innocence, making them a fitting choice for events celebrating new beginnings, such as weddings.
- Mystery: Climbing roses like 'Sombreuil' can sometimes symbolize mystery and secrecy due to their intricate growth patterns and the way they can conceal aspects of a garden when used as coverings.
- Devotion: Their enduring blooms and resilience as climbers often lead climbing roses to represent lasting commitment and unwavering devotion in relationships.
WaterThe climbing rose 'Sombreuil' should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Aim for about 1-2 gallons per plant for each watering session, making sure to water the base and not the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. During the growing season, water once a week, but adjust depending on rainfall and temperature, watering more frequently during hot, dry spells. In winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out.
LightClimbing roses like 'Sombreuil' thrive in full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting 'Sombreuil' is in a garden location that receives morning sun and is sheltered from the hottest afternoon rays, although they are quite adaptable to all-day sun if well-watered.
TemperatureClimbing roses such as 'Sombreuil' prefer moderate temperatures and do well in a range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees with proper winter protection and can tolerate summer highs up to 90 degrees, though extended heat may stress the plant.
PruningPruning 'Sombreuil' climbing roses helps maintain their shape, encourage airflow, and promote vigorous blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged canes and thinning out the plant to enhance its growth. It's typically recommended to prune them annually, but light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to shape the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClimbing Tea Rose 'Sombreuil' thrives in well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost; it prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingClimbing Tea Rose 'Sombreuil' is not commonly repotted as it is usually planted directly in the ground; if grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingClimbing Tea Rose 'Sombreuil' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, adequate water, and air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, fertile soil, prune for shape and health.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Rosa 'Sombreuil', commonly known as the 'Sombreuil' climbing tea rose, begins with seed germination, where the conditions must be right for the hardy seeds to sprout. Once the seedling emerges, it enters a vegetative stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves, and establishing itself as a young plant. After a period of growth, which typically involves the formation of a strong root system and climbing structures, the plant enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of its fragrant, creamy white blooms, often in flushes from spring to fall. Following pollination, the blooms may produce hips (fruit) that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. While roses can be propagated from seeds, 'Sombreuil' is often propagated by vegetative means such as cuttings or grafting to maintain its distinct characteristics. Finally, as a perennial, the 'Sombreuil' rose enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, reserving energy for the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa 'Sombreuil', commonly known as Climbing Tea Rose, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is the most popular method and is best done in late summer. A semi-hardwood cutting is typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, taken from the current year's growth. The leaves are stripped from the lower half of the cutting, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the leafy top exposed. It's placed in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, after which it can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
