Rosa ‘Excelsa’

One of the most popular cultivars of climbing rose producing double flowers gathered in large inflorescences. Blooms at the beginning of summer. Fast growing and healthy.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Flowers crimson-pink, small, 3 cm across, double, gathered in large inflorescences.  Very delicately scented. Bloom abundantly for about a month beginning at the turn of June and July. The blooming does not repeat and the shrub does not produce fruit. Inflorescences appear on short shoots along old wood. Leaves smallish, consisting of small glossy leaflets. Previous year shoots are very long, up to 3-5 m length. Thin and supple, they can be easily formed along supports.

HOW IT GROWS: A primitive climber – does not climb over supports but leans on them. The height of the plant depends mainly on the support size. In Poland it reaches 3-6 m. The support needs to be large and solid.

WHERE TO PLANT: Grows well in any type of soil, however it does not tolerate compacted, heavy or very sandy and dry soil. Thrives in light, moderately permeable ground of slightly acidic or neutral pH. Requires a sunny or semi-shaded site. Fully frost hardy (zone 6-8).

HOW TO PLANT AND MAINTAIN: Before planting immerse the plant container in water for 10-30 min. Place the root ball in a 40 x 40 x 40 cm hole with a 10 cm layer of well-rotten manure or compost, 0.5-1 cm deeper than it was before. Fill the hole with fertile soil. Does not require regular pruning. The shrub is robust and produces numerous shoots in summer. To maintain the shrub’s habit, some of them need to be removed and the remaining ones should be tied  to supports. Plants grown from their own roots do not cause problems with rootstock shoots.

HOW TO APPLY: Climbing roses are often planted along natural supports, usually trunks of trees with loose, open crowns which allows a higher growth.  The cultivar recommended for parks and gardens, in areas designed both in formal (e.g. by the entrance) and natural style. It can be planted along trellises, gates, walls and fences as well as by pergolas and arbours. It’s flexible and easily follows the support’s shape. Suitable also for planting without supports in large rock gardens.

ORIGIN: Raised by Michael H. Walsh, USA, 1908.