White Cloud Climbing Rose Rosa White Cloud = 'Korstacha' (PBR) (ClHT)
ABOUT
The Rosa White Cloud, commonly known as the White Cloud rose, is a striking plant known for its beautiful flowers. This particular cultivar is characterized by large, creamy white blooms that give off a light, enchanting fragrance. Each flower consists of numerous petals that are soft to the touch and form a classic, cupped shape that is typical of many roses. The blossoms often appear in clusters, creating an impressive display of white against the backdrop of the plant's greenery. The foliage of the White Cloud rose is dense and lush, with leaves that exhibit a deep green color and a glossy finish. The leaves are somewhat oval-shaped with pointed tips and serrated edges, providing a textured contrast to the smooth petals of the roses. Throughout its blooming season, this rose variety continues to produce new flowers, which can replace the older ones as they fade and fall away. The result is a continuous cascade of fresh blooms that can keep the plant looking vibrant and attractive for an extended period. As with many roses, the White Cloud may also showcase ornamental rose hips after the flowering season, adding another layer of visual interest to the plant.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
White Cloud Rose, Climbing Iceberg
Common names
Rosa 'Korstacha' (PBR) (ClHT).
- Toxicity
To humans
Roses, including the climbing rose 'Korstacha', are not considered toxic to humans. Generally, roses are not harmful if touched or ingested. However, their thorns can cause physical injury if handled without care. It is always wise to be cautious and avoid ingesting plant parts that are not typically used as food, as individual sensitivity can vary, but roses do not contain known toxic substances that cause poisoning in humans.
To pets
Roses are considered non-toxic to pets as well. This includes the climbing rose variety 'Korstacha'. Pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume a large volume of rose petals, leaves, or stems, but roses do not contain any known poisons that would cause severe poisoning. The main risk comes from the thorns, which can potentially cause injury to a pet's mouth or paws. As with humans, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants where possible.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The White Cloud rose is known for its large, fragrant white blooms that add beauty and elegance to gardens.
- Continuous Blooming: This variety typically offers a long blooming season, providing flowers from late spring to fall.
- Disease Resistance: White Cloud roses are bred to be more resistant to common rose diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and black spot.
- Climbing Growth Habit: As a climbing rose, it can cover trellises, arbors, and fences, offering vertical interest in the landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Hardiness: Suitable for a range of climates, this plant is hardy and can withstand various weather conditions once established.
- Versatility: This rose can be used in landscapes, as a standalone specimen, or in mixed borders alongside other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established and with proper care, White Cloud roses require minimal maintenance compared to other rose varieties.
- Fragrance: The strong, sweet fragrance can perfume an entire garden area, enhancing the sensory experience.
- 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
- Culinary garnish: The petals of the white roses can be used to add an elegant touch when garnishing dishes and desserts due to their pristine appearance.
- Floral Jewelry: Petals and buds can be incorporated into handmade jewelry items, such as necklaces and earrings, often encased in resin to preserve their beauty.
- Photography prop: The roses can serve as an excellent prop or backdrop for photography, providing a natural and romantic element to the composition.
- Fragrance extraction: Although not a common practice for this specific variety, the petals may be used to produce natural fragrances or essential oils with a mild scent.
- Artwork inspiration: The roses can be used by artists as a subject for painting, drawing, and other forms of artistic representation to capture their elegance.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried petals can be used as a natural and biodegradable alternative to paper confetti at celebrations like weddings.
- Color pigment: Historically, petals have been used to extract natural colorants for dyes or inks, though modern alternatives are more common now.
- Bath soaks: Petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious bathing experience, providing a light aroma and contributing to a calming ambiance.
- Crafting handmade paper: The petals can be incorporated into the paper-making process to create decorative, textured paper with natural inclusions.
- Religious ceremonies: In some cultures, white roses may be used in religious events or as offerings due to their symbolism of purity and peace.
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
- Purity: The white blossoms of the 'White Cloud' rose symbolize purity and innocence, often associated with new beginnings and weddings.
- Heavenly: 'White Cloud' can also convey a sense of the heavenly or the divine, due to its pure color and ethereal beauty that may be reminiscent of celestial realms.
- Reverence: White roses like 'White Cloud' often express reverence and honor, making them suitable for respectful occasions or to convey deep admiration.
- Sympathy: These roses are sometimes used to symbolize sympathy, offering comfort and expressing condolences during times of loss or sorrow.
- New Starts: They represent new beginnings and hope, making them fitting for celebrations such as graduations and engagements, signifying the start of a new chapter in life.
- Water
White Cloud climbing roses should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time during active growth in spring and summer. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as proper drainage is important to prevent root rot. Adjust watering during rainy periods to prevent overwatering. In fall, reduce the watering frequency as the plant prepares for dormancy.
- Light
White Cloud climbing roses thrive in full sunlight, needing at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. These roses perform best when planted in a location where they receive morning sun and some partial shade in the afternoon, especially in climates with intense midday heat. They should not be planted in full shade as this will inhibit bloom production and can lead to fungal diseases.
- Temperature
White Cloud climbing roses prefer a temperate climate and can generally tolerate temperatures between 20°F in the winter and up to 90°F during the growing season. The ideal temperature range for these roses is between 65°F and 75°F. They will enter dormancy when the temperature begins to drop in the fall, and some protection may be needed if temperatures are expected to fall below the hardiness zone recommendations.
- Pruning
Prune White Cloud climbing roses to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation which reduces disease risks. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged canes and thinning out crowded areas. After the first blooming, light pruning can be done to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Major pruning should be done when the plant is dormant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Climbing roses like 'White Cloud' thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and compost with added perlite for drainage is ideal for optimum growth and bloom.
- Repotting
Climbing roses such as the 'White Cloud' typically do not require frequent repotting. They are usually planted directly in the ground, and only potted specimens might need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
'White Cloud' climbing roses prefer average outdoor humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments. They can tolerate the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light and ample airflow for indoor 'White Cloud' roses.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water regularly, and provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The White Cloud rose begins its life cycle when the dormant bare-root plant or potted specimen is planted in well-draining soil with ample sun exposure. As spring approaches, the plant breaks dormancy, sprouting new shoots and foliage, a phase characterized by rapid vegetative growth. By early summer, buds develop and bloom into large, creamy-white flowers with a strong fragrance, marking the reproductive stage during which pollinators visit the flowers, allowing for sexual reproduction and potential formation of rose hips (seed pods). After the flowering period, which can last into fall with proper care and deadheading to encourage reblooming, the plant enters a period of slowed growth as it prepares for winter dormancy. In the dormant stage, the plant conserves energy, shedding leaves in climates with cold winters, and survives with minimal metabolic activity. The cycle recommences the following spring, with the rose resuming growth and eventually flowering again.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rosa White Cloud or 'Korstacha', a climbing rose, is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings, a technique that is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This method is usually carried out in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender but sufficiently matured. Cuttings of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long are taken from healthy, disease-free shoots, making sure each cutting has a few leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic dome or bag to maintain high humidity. The environment should be kept warm, around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new rose plant can eventually be transplanted to a permanent location.