When we think of roses, the classic image of a delicate bloom often comes to mind. However, the Altissimo climbing rose shatters this stereotype with its vigorous growth and striking flowers.
Known for its bright, blood-red blossoms, this variety of rose has been a garden favorite since its introduction in 1966. The large, single flowers showcase a vibrant contrast with their golden stamens, making the Altissimo rose a standout choice for adding vertical interest to our gardens.
Cultivating climbing roses like Altissimo allows us to bring a sense of drama and height to our outdoor spaces. They are perfect for adorning walls, fences, or trellises, creating a backdrop that’s as visually impressive as it is fragrant.
The robust nature of Altissimo roses means they’re also relatively easy for us to grow and care for, even if we’re not expert gardeners. These roses tend to bloom prolifically early in the summer, with regular repeats throughout the season, ensuring that our gardens remain lively and colorful for months.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
How do you plant and care for climbing roses?
To plant climbing roses, dig a hole that allows the roots to spread out. Place the graft at soil level, and water well after planting. For care, ensure rich soil, full sun, and regular watering. Provide support for climbing and prune as needed for vigorous growth.
How long does it take for climbing roses to reach full height?
Climbing roses, including Altissimo, generally reach their full height within 3 to 5 years. Growth rate can vary based on the rose’s variety and growing conditions.
Are there special techniques for pruning climbing roses?
Yes, pruning techniques for climbing roses include removing dead or weak canes and heading back to the first set of five leaves to encourage flowering. Make sure to prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season starts.
What are the differences between climbing and rambling roses?
Climbing roses have sturdier canes, larger blooms, and usually repeat flowering. In contrast, rambling roses tend to have smaller flowers, more flexible canes, and often flower only once per season.
How do you protect climbing roses from common diseases?
To protect climbing roses from diseases like black spot or powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation. Also, avoid overhead watering and apply fungicides if necessary.
Regularly inspecting your roses and practicing good hygiene can also minimize disease risks.
Altissimo Climbing Roses – Your Guide To Vibrant Vertical Gardens
We can’t help but feel a sense of pride when we talk about the vibrant Altissimo climbing roses. Developed in 1966, this rose quickly established itself as a garden favorite.
History of Altissimo Climbing Roses
Georges Delbard and Andre Chabert, French hybridizers famed for their exquisite rose varieties, were the ones who brought Altissimo to life. Their expertise led to a rose that stood out because of its striking red blooms.
What’s fascinating is the family tree of Altissimo. It is the progeny of a climbing rose known as ‘Tenor’ and an unnamed seedling. This combination infused Altissimo with its characteristic large, semi-double flowers.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Altissimo’s birth:
| Year | 1966 |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Hybridizers | Delbard, Chabert |
‘Altissimo’ means “very high” in Italian, which suits the rose perfectly given its ability to reach heights of up to 10 feet. Our gardens owe a lot to the dedication of hybridizers like Delbard and Chabert. Their work allows us to enjoy these blooms that can scale walls, fences, and pergolas alike.
We continue to admire the rich yellow stamens that contrast beautifully with the red petals, a testament to the hybridizers’ vision. It’s our joy to share the legacy of Altissimo roses with fellow enthusiasts and to see this stunning rose cherished in gardens internationally.
Characteristics
Altissimo is a climbing rose that we cherish for its vigorous growth, distinct features, and its ability to add vertical interest to our gardens.
Height and Spread
Altissimo can reach impressive heights, typically growing up to 12 feet tall. Its spread can span about 4 to 5 feet, which makes it an ideal choice for trellises, fences, or arbors where it has ample space to showcase its full beauty.
Bloom Size
Each bloom of the Altissimo rose commands attention with a diameter of approximately 4 to 5 inches. These are substantial, eye-catching flowers that provide a bold visual statement.
Color Variation
The flowers of Altissimo exhibit a blood-red hue that adds a dramatic flair to any setting. Accented with golden yellow stamens, these roses offer a vibrant contrast that stands out beautifully against the medium green foliage.
Cultivation
When we talk about cultivating Altissimo climbing roses, several key factors must be considered. These include proper planting techniques, soil requirements, and ensuring adequate sunlight.
Let’s go through each to ensure our roses thrive.
- Planting – Proper planting is essential for our Altissimo roses to flourish. We’ll want to soak the roots of a bare-root rose for a few hours before planting to ensure hydration.
When we dig the hole, it should be about 18 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system comfortably. It’s important to create a small mound of soil at the base of the hole to spread the roots over it.
- Soil Requirements – Altissimo roses thrive in well-drained soil. We should ensure that the pH level of our soil is between 5.5 and 7.0, which is typically the ideal range for these roses. Amending the soil with organic matter can enhance its quality and provide our roses with the nutrients they need.
- Sunlight Needs – Our climbing roses will need plenty of sunlight to produce the best blooms. Altissimo roses require full sun exposure, which equates to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Correct sunlight is also known to help in keeping the plants healthy and improving their disease resistance.
Care Guide
When caring for Altissimo climbing roses, it’s crucial to provide consistent attention in watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management to maintain their vibrant blooms and vigorous growth.
Watering
- Frequency: Water Altissimo roses deeply once a week, ensuring moisture reaches the roots.
- Amount: Approximately 1 inch of water is ideal to encourage deep root development.
Fertilizing
- Schedule: Fertilize in the early spring as the leaves emerge and every six weeks thereafter, stopping two months before the first frost.
- Product Choice: Opt for a balanced, slow-release rose fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring, after the last frost but before new growth starts.
- Technique: Remove dead or damaged wood, and cut back canes by about one-third to promote vigorous new growth.
Pest Management
- Inspection: Keep an eye out for common rose pests like aphids and spider mites, checking the undersides of leaves regularly.
- Treatment: Treat pests, when needed, with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, being mindful to follow the application instructions closely.
Design Uses
We’ll explore how the Altissimo Climbing Rose can transform your garden space. Let’s focus on its landscape applications and the best companion plants to accentuate its beauty.
Landscape Design
In landscape design, Altissimo Climbing Roses serve as striking vertical accents due to their ability to grow upwards of 7 to 20 feet. They are excellent for adding height and a splash of color on structures like arbors, trellises, and fences.
Their long, arching canes are ideal for training over garden features. When allowed to climb, they provide a dramatic backdrop to garden beds and various outdoor living areas.
Companion Plants
When considering companion plants for these climbing roses, we select varieties that complement their vigorous growth and the vivid red of their flowers. Here are some great matches:
- Herbaceous Perennials: Plants like lavender and catmint with their subtle hues offer a soft contrast to the bold red of the roses.
- Spring Bulbs: Flower bulbs such as tulips and alliums provide early color before the roses peak.
- Annuals: Brightly-colored annuals like petunias and marigolds can fill the space around the base of the rose and give a full season of color.
Remember, the goal is to harmonize plants with varying heights, colors, and textures to highlight the visual appeal of Altissimo Roses in our gardens.
Propagation
Propagating the Altissimo climbing rose can be done in one of two main methods: cuttings and grafting. Each method suits different levels of gardening experience and offers its own benefits.
Cuttings
To propagate Altissimo roses by cuttings, use a sharp knife or pruners to take a 6- to 8-inch stem from a healthy plant, ideally in late spring or early summer.
The cut should be made just below a set of leaves. We then remove the foliage and flowers, except for one or two leaves at the top.
Strip about one inch of outer bark from the bottom of the stem to enhance rooting. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Choose a semi-ripe stem from the current year’s growth.
- Make the cut below a set of leaves.
- Remove all but the top set of leaves.
- Wound the stem to stimulate rooting.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced technique that involves joining the Altissimo with a rootstock of another plant.
This is often done to combine the hardiness of the rootstock with the flowering qualities of the Altissimo rose. Keep in mind that cleanliness and precision are crucial here. The steps include:
- Choose a healthy rootstock and scion.
- Make clean cuts to fit both parts snugly.
- Secure them together and seal to prevent infection.
Awards and Recognitions
We’ve seen the ‘Altissimo’ rose receive several accolades over the years, which isn’t surprising given its stunning blooms and resilience.
One such honor includes the 1993 Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, recognizing its beauty and performance in the garden. You can read more about this award on the Kansas City Rose Society website.
The ‘Altissimo’ has been celebrated for its large, single red blooms and overall climbing vigor. Our rose has an active blooming season and a strong resistance to diseases, which must contribute to its frequent wins in the climbing rose category at rose shows.
Here is a list of some shows where ‘Altissimo’ has garnered recognition:
- Royal Horticulture Society Show
- Connecticut Rose Society Show
- Des Moines Rose Society Show
- East Bay Rose Society Show
- Fair Friends of the Rose Show
- Garden Club of Marion Show
The Last Vertical Climb
Altissimo climbing roses will help your garden reach new heights. Not only are they beautiful and bloom all season long, they are the perfect choice for tall structures like trellises and tall fences.
The rich red blooms adorn the landscape and bring joy o a daily basis. For beginners and seasoned gardeners, this is the climber for you. Maintaining Altissimo roses does not require a lot of your time. A few simple rules will ensure these buds will adorn your yard for years to come.
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All images from Koala
