Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’: A Fragrant Climbing Rose with Soft Pink Blooms
Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ is a beautiful climbing rose that belongs to the Bourbon Rose Group and is part of the Rosaceae family of plants. The Bourbon roses originated in the 19th century on the French island of Réunion, known as Île de Bourbon at that time. They are a hybrid of Old Blush China roses and Autumn Damask roses. Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ is a soft pink sport of the well-known Rosa ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’ Rose. It was first published by Dickson in 1879. This rose is named after Kathleen Harrop, a rose enthusiast and likely a significant contributor to its development.
Characteristics and Description:
Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ is a deciduous, repeat-flowering shrub rose that grows up to 2.5 meters tall. It features arching, virtually thornless stems adorned with dark green foliage. The medium-sized blooms of ‘Kathleen Harrop’ are highly fragrant and display a soft pink color. These double flowers add elegance and charm to any garden. The flowering season extends from summer into autumn, although it may be relatively shorter compared to some modern shrub roses. However, the rich fragrance of the blooms compensates for their shorter duration, creating a delightful sensory experience in the garden.
Cultivation of Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’:
Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ thrives when provided with proper care and cultivation practices. Consider the following guidelines to ensure its optimal growth and blooming:
Sunlight: This climbing rose variety prefers a sunny location with full sun exposure. Ensure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering: Regular watering is essential, particularly during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Provide deep and thorough watering sessions rather than frequent shallow watering.
Soil: ‘Kathleen Harrop’ grows best in fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of soil conditions, including poor soils. Prioritize a site that has not been previously used for growing roses to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and flowering. Repeat the fertilizer application in early summer to support continuous blooms.
Pests and Diseases: Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ is susceptible to mildew. To prevent this fungal disease, ensure proper air circulation around the plant by providing adequate spacing between roses. Additionally, maintain good garden hygiene by promptly removing fallen leaves and debris.
Propagation:
Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ can be propagated through various methods:
- Semi-ripe cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Select healthy, partially woody stems and root them in a well-draining medium.
- Hardwood cuttings: Harvest hardwood cuttings in autumn when the plant is dormant. Use mature, woody stems and insert them into the ground or a suitable rooting medium.
- T-budding: T-budding is a method of grafting commonly used for roses. It involves joining a bud from ‘Kathleen Harrop’ onto a compatible rootstock during the summer months.
Rosa ‘Kathleen Harrop’ is a stunning climbing rose with soft pink blooms and a captivating fragrance. Its repeat-flowering nature and relatively low maintenance make it a popular choice for rose enthusiasts. Add this charming rose to your garden, and let its beauty and fragrance create a romantic atmosphere throughout the blooming season.
