Good time for more Rose questions...

[vfem]

I have my first climber this year, the new growth on it is amazing. Its hardy and thick, and the leaves are red on all the new tips.

My question is how much growth will a new heirloom variety climbing rose get in 1 year? And will it get buds on new growth, or does it need old wood? Or is it only on new growth and next year I need to sheer most of the old wood except where I train it?

Ok, enough questions for now. I just want to know if I will get blooms this year, or I have a wait for that.

 

[vfem]

Not that I got an answer, but I got another question...

Are all heirloom varieties have edible petals? I would like to know if mine does to make jelly out of?

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Yes & Yes........!!!

All rose petals are edible -- just cut off any green at the bottom of the petals (nearest the stem). It is usually the darkest red roes that have that special taste & perfume.

Heirloom climbers are not usually cut hard back but just trimmed to keep a good shape & to stop them getting too leggy. Don't treat them life modern roses.

What is your rose called ? It would help to know as I might be able give you more precise advice ? Is it grafted or grown on its own roots. I know, so many questions..........!!!!



:rose Hattie :rose

 

[vfem]

I do not know if it graphed or on its' own root... I did not look at that. It was an heirloom variety rose though "Don Juan" . Its a deep red color is in favor of climates that are hot and humid... so they prefer the US's southeastern region as stated on the package it was in.

I got it in Feb.

It said it was a continuous bloomer... but I didn't look to see when the blooming times for it started.

BUt thank you, I will NOT cut it back hard. I've only ever learned about roses from my mom... she only like's tea roses... they were always a pain so I never really grew up liking them. I wanted something that would take less work for sure, something fragrant and hardy.

And I LOVE making rose water cookies, so I also want to make rose water if I could.

My kitchen, is a busy kitchen these days!!!

 

[Southern Gardener]

vfem, I have a Don Juan and it's in bloom right now. I did cut it back hard but it's blooming beautifully right now.

 

[vfem]

vfem, I have a Don Juan and it's in bloom right now. I did cut it back hard but it's blooming beautifully right now.

Did you get blooms the first year? Awesome they are in bloom now... I don't see any buds on mine though.

 

[Hattie the Hen]

vfem, I have a Don Juan and it's in bloom right now. I did cut it back hard but it's blooming beautifully right now.

Did you get blooms the first year? Awesome they are in bloom now... I don't see any buds on mine though.

Hi vfem

I thought these links might be useful to you & help you keep "Don Juan" happy............!!

http://myfolia.com/plants/157-rose-rosa/varieties/6476-don-juan *****I find this site very useful****


http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2010/04/23/alfalfa-on-roses/


:rose Hattie :rose

 

[lesa]

I always dutifully cut back my very old climbing rose, each fall. Then I would cut a little more, after winter, if there was winter kill. At some point, it occurred to me, why not wait to prune until you see if there is any winter kill...This year the entire climbing rose made it through winter without any part of it dying. Not sure if this is "by the book", but that rose gets so many flowers on it, you can't see the leaves...Good luck with Don Juan, I'll bet you get a blossom or two this year.

 

[vfem]

Thank you so much! Funny how there is conflicting information from the package to the web. This is why I ask questions... sometimes things don't line up or seem right... so gotta have a few experts in the pocket from time to time!

I like the idea of alfalfa around the roots... going to have to give that a whirl!

Thank you guys. :rose

 

[aquarose]

I like my Don Juan so much I bought a second one. With both I got blooms the first year. The first one, I dug up and moved in the middle of summer. I thought it would die, but no, it thrived!