Disease Resistant Climbing Rose for Portland Sun
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Bella Stella
Posted: Jul-11-2007 at 2:07pm
When I puchased a new rose arbor several years ago, I planted Westerlund and Madame Alfred Carriere roses after much research. I live in Portland with a dry South exposure. My criteria included disease resistence (especially blankspot), strong scent and repeat bloomers. My choices have been very disappointing, especially from the disease resistance standpoint. Can anyone recommend "the perfect climbing rose"?
Thank you!
Bella Stella
Portland, OR
Fern
Location: Washington, Western Cascade Foothills
Posted: Jul-12-2007 at 7:38am
I'm surprised about Westerland, I've had one for two years and I've seen them in other yards and they seem to be pretty disease resistant to me. Resistant doesn't mean disease proof, I don't mind if they get some disease. The other thing that might be causing problems this year is Downy mildew, which looks similar to blackspot. Roses have gotten it this year and 3 years ago, it used to be very rare around here but the weather conditions may be changing enough (ie global warming) that it might be more of a problem, and unfortunately very few roses are resistant. I know I had a problem with it this year. From what I've read Madame AC is prone to mildew. Serenade is a organic fungicide you could try. Also, as roses get older the disease resistance improves. Unfortunately, disease resistance and strong fragrance are a rare combination. I've grown some climbers that are almost totally disease free but they are not very fragrant
Here is a link to Heirloom roses in Oregon, they are a good place and give their experience with disease resistance.
Heirloom roses
Here is a link to another good website with rose info.
HelpMeFind Roses
Screaming Eagle
Location: Puget Sound corridor
Posted: Jul-12-2007 at 1:25pm
I have Westerlund and I love it. Last year was disappointing because it did get black spot worse than usual and I got a bit discouraged. But this year seems much better again.
It sounds like you've had yours several years, has it been bad every year?
Lisa A
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Jul-12-2007 at 1:26pm
What problems are you having? Is it black spot, powdery mildew or both? What is your cultural care for them? Overhead watering, mulching, water through the dry summer? Research shows that powdery mildew is more prevalent when plants are water-starved - along with the other cultural culprits.
What else is nearby? I visited a garden Tuesday whose owner complained about the neighbors' diseased roses planted next to her resistant forms. No matter what she did, she couldn't get rid of the disease problems because they became reinfected by her neighbor's plants.
I second the Heirloom roses recommendation. Love that place! I bought 'Trier' (a rambler I think) from them some years ago. Its blooms are small, creamy white, lightly fragrant and the plant is quite-disease free. It's been very easy care for me and I'd recommend it, although I'm not sure I'd call it the "perfect climbing rose" (does such a plant exist? ).
Poppy
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Jul-12-2007 at 7:59pm
Oooh! I just learned a lot! My rosebed has been afflicted with what I thought was black spot this year and I was sure I was doing something horribly wrong. Now, I feel a little better--or, I guess, less guilty, cause they are still struggling. Thanks for the tips about Seranade and Heirloom Roses. Bella Stella, I too have been looking for a climber with much of your criterion! If you find the rose of your dreams, would you be kind enough to send out a post? I'd love to check it out too! Thanks.
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