Climbing rose 'Zéphirine Drouhin'

Sun

Full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun for stronger flowering and healthier foliage; it tolerates some shade but flowers less heavily.

Water

Water deeply during dry spells, especially during the first two growing seasons. Keep the root zone evenly moist rather than constantly wet, and water the soil rather than the leaves.

Soil

Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic to neutral. Improve very sandy or heavy soil with organic matter before planting.

Height

10-15 ft (3-4.5 m)

Spread

6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m)

Flowers

Deep cerise-pink, double, strongly fragrant flowers; a heavy flush in late spring or early summer, followed by lighter repeat flowering into autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous, mid-green, compound leaves with toothed leaflets; young growth often has reddish or bronze tones.

Growth

Moderate to fast once established.

Care needed

High

• Low allergen
• Fragrant

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Hard

Toughness

Needs looking after

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   2 ft (0.6 m)

2. After 1 year

   3 ft (0.98 m)

3. After 2 years

   4 ft (1.4 m)

4. After 3 years

   6 ft (1.7 m)

5. After 5 years

   6 ft (1.8 m)

   full size

About 3 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Growth rate

Fast

• Provide a sturdy trellis, arch or support wires; the canes do not cling by themselves.
• Tie long canes loosely and train them sideways or in a fan to encourage flowering shoots.
• Water deeply at the base during dry weather, avoiding frequent light sprinkling.
• Apply rose fertilizer in spring and, if needed, after the first flush, following the label; avoid late-season nitrogen in cold climates.
• Spread 2-3 in (5-8 cm) of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Remove diseased fallen leaves and leave space around the plant for air circulation.

Pruning. In late winter or early spring, remove dead, damaged and weak growth, retain the main framework, and shorten flowered side shoots to two or three buds. Once established, remove an occasional old cane at the base to encourage replacement growth, and deadhead spent flowers during the growing season.

Late winter

Prune while dormant, removing dead canes and shortening side shoots; in very cold areas, wait until severe freezes have passed.

Early spring

Feed, renew mulch and check support wires and ties.

Spring

Train new canes into a fan and check young shoots for aphids and early fungal disease.

Early summer

Deadhead after the main flush and water deeply if rainfall is insufficient.

Summer

Tie in replacement canes, remove diseased leaves and keep water off the foliage.

Autumn

Collect fallen rose leaves and secure long canes against wind; protect the crown and graft union where winters are severe.

• Train over an entrance arch so the scented flowers sit near head height.
• Fan across a fence or wall on stand-off wires, leaving air space behind the foliage.
• Clothe a pergola beside a seating area where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
• Use as a pink flowering backdrop to catmint, hardy geraniums and other low perennials, keeping its base accessible for care.

Garden styles it suits: English country, Cottage garden, Romantic rose garden, Victorian, Sensory garden and Secret garden.

Plant it with: Catmint, Hardy geranium, Lady's mantle, Salvia, Lavender and Clematis.

Wildlife: The double flowers offer less accessible pollen than single roses, so this is not a leading choice for pollinators. Its framework can provide shelter for small birds and beneficial insects.

• Black spot: dark leaf spots and premature leaf drop are common. Remove infected fallen leaves, water at soil level and improve airflow; where necessary, use a locally approved rose fungicide according to its label.
• Powdery mildew: white growth can distort leaves and buds, especially in sheltered sites. Keep roots evenly moist, avoid excessive nitrogen and thin congested growth.
• Rose rust: orange pustules beneath leaves can lead to leaf loss. Remove affected leaves and debris, improve airflow and use a locally approved treatment if the problem persists.
• Aphids: colonies gather on soft shoots and buds. Rub off small colonies or wash them away with water; use insecticidal soap if needed, avoiding open flowers and beneficial insects.

Not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people. Eating large amounts of leaves or flowers may cause mild stomach upset, and hairs inside rose hips can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Canes are almost thornless, but occasional prickles can still scratch.

• Climbing rose 'Kathleen Harrop' (Rosa 'Kathleen Harrop')

  This closely related sport also has nearly thornless canes, but its flowers are a much softer, pale pink rather than deep cerise-pink.

Rosa is the Latin word for rose, and the cultivar name commemorates Zéphirine Drouhin.

Propagation. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings during dormancy; layering a low, flexible cane is another option. Seed will not reliably reproduce the cultivar, and shoots arising below a graft belong to the rootstock rather than 'Zéphirine Drouhin'.

Accepted botanical name

Rosa

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.