Veilchenblau Rose Rosa 'Veilchenblau' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Veilchenblau' commonly known as the 'Blue Rambler' rose, is a climbing variety that presents a captivating display of semi-double flowers. The blooms of the 'Blue Rambler' are noted for their unique coloration, starting as a deep violet with hints of blue and then fading to a lilac-grey as they mature. Each flower consists of a loose arrangement of petals, which often showcase yellow or white stamens at the center when fully opened, adding to the visual interest. The flowers cluster together giving a striking effect against the plant's foliage. Leaves of the 'Blue Rambler' rose are typically a glossy, deep green which provides a beautiful contrast to the blooms. Additionally, this variety is known for its sprawling growth habit, forming long, arching canes that are often covered with numerous thorns. Seasonally, observers can also enjoy the subtle, yet sweet fragrance emanating from the delicate flowers. The 'Blue Rambler' rose tends to bloom in late spring to early summer and may offer a lighter repeat bloom later in the season. Throughout its blooming period, the 'Blue Rambler' rose serves as an attractive plant for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The intriguing color palette and texture of this rose make it a favorite among gardeners for creating vertical interest in the landscape, as it can drape elegantly over fences, trellises, and other structures.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Blue Rose, Violet Blue Rose, Veilchenblau Climbing Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Veilchenblau'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Blue Rambler rose is not considered toxic to humans. There are generally no significant toxic effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, plant parts can be a choking hazard or cause discomfort if sharp thorns are ingested.
To pets
The Blue Rambler rose is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not typically associated with poisoning and does not usually produce symptoms if ingested. Nevertheless, as with humans, the sharp thorns could cause physical injury if pets try to chew or swallow the plant parts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet-blue
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Veilchenblau' rose, also known as the Blue Rambler, has striking violet and lilac flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Wildlife Attraction: This rose variety can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Historical Interest: As a well-known and time-honored rose variety, the Blue Rambler holds historical significance for garden enthusiasts and rose collectors.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many other rose varieties, the 'Veilchenblau' can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for different garden locations.
- Pergola and Trellis Growth: With its climbing habit, the Blue Rambler is ideal for growing on pergolas, trellises, and fences for a romantic garden look.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the 'Veilchenblau' is relatively low maintenance, requiring only basic care to thrive.
- Seasonal Interest: This rose blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a seasonal display of flowers when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Veilchenblau', commonly known as the Blue Rosette Rose, can be used in perfumery to capture its unique and complex fragrance for scented products.
- The petals of the Blue Rosette Rose can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries, adding a touch of elegance and flavor.
- In artistic crafts, the dried petals of this rose variety can be incorporated into homemade paper to create textured and visually appealing stationery.
- The Blue Rosette Rose's sturdy canes can be used in the construction of natural trellises or garden structures, supporting other climbing plants.
- Rose petals from this variety can be steeped in oils, imparting their fragrance for use in homemade natural cosmetics or bath oils.
- As a natural dye, the deep blue-purple color of the Blue Rosette Rose petals can be used to tint fabrics or artworks organically.
- These roses can serve as a tool for education and plant identification workshops, helping individuals learn about plant characteristics and taxonomy.
- The attractive blooms of the Blue Rosette Rose can be used in floral arrangements and bridal bouquets, offering a vintage aesthetic.
- In photography, the vibrant colors and velvety texture of the Blue Rosette Rose make them an excellent subject for botanical and artistic shoots.
- The Blue Rosette Rose can be planted in a memory or commemorative garden as a living tribute to honor someone's life or achievements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: As a member of the rose family, the 'Veilchenblau' rose is symbolic of love and adoration. Traditionally, roses are a universal symbol of deep affection and passion, making them common gifts between romantic partners.
- Mystery: The unique coloration of the 'Veilchenblau' rose, often described as violet-blue, lends it an air of mystery and enchantment, representing the unknown or the unattainable.
- Timelessness: Roses are classic and enduring symbols that have been appreciated throughout history, conveying sentiments of eternal beauty and lasting presence.
- Spirituality: The rose, with its intricate layers and heavenly scent, is often associated with spiritual awareness and the unfolding of higher knowledge, much like the layers of a rosebud opening to full bloom.
- Balance: The 'Veilchenblau' rose, with its harmonious blend of colors, can symbolize balance and unity, merging different qualities to create something beautiful and whole.
WaterThe Blue Rambler rose should be watered deeply, ensuring that water reaches the roots, which promotes healthy growth. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. Adjust the frequency to every two weeks if rainfall is sufficient. During hot and dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary, such as every 3 to 4 days. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases, and try to water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry out before evening.
LightThe Blue Rambler rose thrives in full sunlight, so it is best to position it in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade will reduce blooming and can make the plant more prone to diseases.
TemperatureThe Blue Rambler rose can survive in a range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. It can handle minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, whereas maximum temperatures should not exceed 90°F for prolonged periods. The ideal temperature range for this rose is between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Blue Rambler rose in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant. Pruning helps promote vigorous growth and improves air circulation, which can reduce the risk of disease. Prune again after the first flush of blooms to encourage another round of flowering. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Blue Rambler rose thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingThe Blue Rambler rose, being a vigorous climber, is typically planted outdoors and doesn't require repotting. In containers, repot every 2 to 3 years or when outgrowing its space.
Humidity & MistingThe Blue Rambler rose prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels; it generally does well in average garden air humidity and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, support for climbing, prune yearly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Veilchenblau rose (Rosa 'Veilchenblau') begins as a dormant bare-root or potted specimen that is typically planted in the late winter or early spring. After planting, the rose breaks dormancy, producing new shoots and leaves in a vegetative growth stage, which is followed by the development of distinctive violet-blue to lilac flowers with a white center during its blooming phase in late spring to early summer. Once pollinated, potentially by bees, butterflies, or other insects, the flowers create hips (seed pods) that mature in late summer to autumn, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the rose undergoes cycles of vegetative growth and flowering, with proper pruning and care to enhance its performance. The Veilchenblau rose enters a period of dormancy once colder temperatures arrive in the autumn and winter, with the plant ceasing active growth and storing energy for the next season. The cycle repeats annually, with the plant potentially living for several decades if maintained in favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Veilchenblau', commonly known as the Blue Rambler Rose, can be propagated by various methods, but the most popular one is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still flexible but mature enough to ensure a good chance of rooting. The process involves cutting a healthy, non-flowering shoot of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, stripping the leaves from the lower half, and dipping the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting should then be planted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in a bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes several weeks.
