Della Reese Climbing Rose – Your Step-By-Step Guide To Vibrant

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood before a wall, fence, or arbor draped in breathtaking roses and thought, “I wish I could do that, but it must be so difficult”? It’s a common feeling among gardeners—the desire for that classic, romantic look, paired with the fear that it’s reserved only for the experts.

What if I told you there’s a rose that makes this dream surprisingly achievable? A rose with stunning, velvety magenta-purple blooms, an intoxicating old-rose fragrance, and a vigorous spirit that’s perfect for beginners. Meet the magnificent della reese climbing rose, a true showstopper waiting to transform your garden.

Imagine that plain fence becoming a living tapestry of color and scent, or an entryway framed with fragrant blossoms welcoming you home. This isn’t just a fantasy. It’s completely within your reach.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From planting to pruning, you’ll get all the insider tips to grow a Della Reese that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Let’s get our hands dirty!

What Makes the Della Reese Climbing Rose So Special?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why choose this specific rose? The Della Reese isn’t just another pretty flower; it’s a sensory experience and a reliable garden performer. Understanding its unique qualities will help you appreciate it even more.

One of the key benefits of della reese climbing rose is its unforgettable appearance. The blooms are large, full, and packed with petals, opening into a classic cupped form. But the color is the real star: a deep, rich magenta or fuchsia-purple that holds up beautifully in the sun.

Then there’s the fragrance. This isn’t a subtle scent; it’s a powerful, classic “old rose” perfume that can fill an entire section of your garden. Planting it near a window or patio is one of our top della reese climbing rose tips so you can enjoy its aroma all season long.

Beyond its beauty, this rose is known for its vigor and relatively good disease resistance. It’s a repeat bloomer, meaning you’ll get waves of flowers from late spring through fall. It’s a truly rewarding plant that gives back far more than you put in.

Your Complete Della Reese Climbing Rose Guide: Planting for Success

Success starts from the ground up! Giving your rose the right home is the single most important step you can take. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds. We’ll break it down into easy, manageable steps.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Roses are sun-worshippers, and the Della Reese is no exception. Find a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is particularly beneficial as it helps dry the leaves quickly, which prevents common fungal diseases.

Good air circulation is also crucial. Avoid planting it in a cramped corner where air can’t move freely. Give it some breathing room to keep it healthy and happy.

Finally, think about its support. As a climber, it needs something to climb on. A sturdy trellis, arbor, fence, or wall-mounted wires are all excellent choices. Make sure the support is installed before you plant!

Preparing Your Soil

Roses are heavy feeders and they despise “wet feet.” This means they need soil that is both rich in nutrients and well-draining. Most garden soil can be easily improved to create the perfect environment.

For a truly sustainable della reese climbing rose, amend your soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure. These organic materials improve soil structure, add vital nutrients, and encourage beneficial microbial life. Simply mix a generous amount into the top 12-18 inches of soil in your planting area.

The Step-by-Step Planting Process

Ready to plant? Follow this simple process for a strong start. This is the core of how to della reese climbing rose gets established.

  1. Hydrate Your Rose: If you have a bare-root rose, soak its roots in a bucket of water for a few hours (but no more than 12) before planting. If it’s in a container, give it a good watering.
  2. Dig the Right Hole: Dig a hole that is roughly twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. You want the roots to have plenty of room to spread out in loosened soil.
  3. Create a Mound: Form a small mound of amended soil in the center of the hole. This will support the base of the rose.
  4. Position Your Rose: Place the rose on top of the mound, fanning the roots out over the sides. The key here is the bud union (the swollen knob where the rose was grafted). In colder climates, this should be 1-2 inches below the soil level. In warmer climates, it can be at or just above soil level.
  5. Backfill and Water: Gently fill the hole halfway with your amended soil, and then water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Finish filling the hole, gently firming the soil around the plant.
  6. Water Again: Give it one more deep, slow watering at the base. This ensures the roots are fully hydrated in their new home.
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The Art of Training and Pruning: Della Reese Climbing Rose Best Practices

Here’s a secret that separates good rose growers from great ones: understanding how to train and prune a climber. This is what encourages that wall-of-flowers look you’re dreaming of. It’s one of the most important della reese climbing rose best practices.

Training Your Climber: The First Two Years are Key

A climbing rose doesn’t “climb” by itself like ivy; it produces long, flexible canes that need to be guided and attached to a support. The goal is to encourage horizontal growth.

Why horizontal? Roses produce flowering shoots from the buds along their main canes. When a cane grows straight up, you mostly get flowers at the very top. But when you train a cane horizontally (or at a 45-degree angle), you trick the plant into sending up flowering shoots all along its length. More horizontal canes mean way more flowers!

In the first year or two, focus on establishing a strong framework. As new long canes grow, gently bend them and tie them to your support using soft, flexible ties like garden twine or stretchy plant ties. Never use wire, which can cut into the canes as they grow.

Pruning for Health and Abundant Flowers

Pruning climbing roses is less about size reduction and more about promoting health and productivity. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just as the buds begin to swell.

  • Start with the 3 D’s: First, remove any wood that is Dead, Damaged, or Diseased.
  • Tidy Up: Remove any thin, spindly canes that are weaker than a pencil in diameter. Also, trim any canes that are crossing and rubbing against each other.
  • Prune the Laterals: The “laterals” are the side shoots that grew off your main horizontal canes and produced flowers last year. Prune these back, leaving just 2-3 buds on each one. This is where your new flowers will come from!

Essential Della Reese Climbing Rose Care Guide

Once your rose is planted and trained, ongoing care will keep it healthy and blooming prolifically. This simple della reese climbing rose care guide covers the essentials.

Watering Wisely

Roses prefer deep, infrequent watering over shallow, frequent sips. A deep watering encourages roots to grow further down into the soil, making the plant more resilient to drought.

Water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or watering wand. Avoid overhead sprinklers, as wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases like black spot. Check the soil with your finger; if it’s dry two inches down, it’s time to water.

Feeding Your Rose for Maximum Blooms

To produce all those gorgeous flowers, your Della Reese needs food! Start feeding in the spring as new growth appears. A balanced, granular rose fertilizer is a great choice. For an eco-friendly della reese climbing rose, you can use organic options like alfalfa meal or fish emulsion.

Follow the package directions, and typically feed after the first major flush of blooms to encourage the next wave. Stop fertilizing about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost to allow the plant to harden off for winter.

Mulching: Your Garden’s Best Friend

Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark, compost, or leaf mold) around the base of your rose is a game-changer. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and breaks down over time to enrich the soil. Just be sure to keep it a few inches away from the main stem.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems with Della Reese Climbing Rose

Even the healthiest plants can run into issues. Don’t panic! Identifying and addressing common problems with della reese climbing rose early is the key to success.

Pests to Watch For

The most common rose pests are aphids and spider mites. You’ll often find them clustered on new, tender growth and buds.

Your first line of defense should always be the most gentle. A strong spray of water from the hose can often dislodge them. If the problem persists, insecticidal soap or neem oil are excellent eco-friendly della reese climbing rose solutions that are effective without harming beneficial insects.

Common Rose Diseases

Black spot and powdery mildew are the two most frequent fungal issues. Black spot appears as dark circles with feathery edges on leaves, while powdery mildew looks like a white, dusty coating.

Prevention is your best tool!

  • Water at the soil level, not on the leaves.
  • Ensure good air circulation around your plant.
  • Clean up and dispose of any fallen leaves, as spores can overwinter on them.

Why Isn’t My Rose Blooming?

This is a frustrating problem, but it usually has a simple solution.

  • Not enough sun: Is it truly getting 6+ hours of direct light?
  • Improper pruning: Did you accidentally cut off the wood that was going to produce flowers? Remember to only prune the laterals, not the main structural canes.
  • Needs food: It might just be hungry! A dose of fertilizer high in phosphorus can help encourage blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Della Reese Climbing Rose

How big does the Della Reese climbing rose get?

You can expect the Della Reese to reach a mature size of 10 to 12 feet tall and about 3 to 4 feet wide. Its size is easily managed with proper training and annual pruning to fit your specific space.

Is the Della Reese rose fragrant?

Yes, absolutely! It is prized for its strong, beautiful, classic old-rose fragrance. It’s one of the most compelling benefits of della reese climbing rose and a major reason gardeners choose it for planting near patios, windows, and entryways.

When is the best time to plant a Della Reese climbing rose?

The best time to plant is in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall at least six weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the roots time to establish themselves before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.

Can I grow this rose in a large container?

While it’s possible, it can be challenging for a vigorous climber like the Della Reese. If you choose to, you’ll need a very large container (at least 20-25 gallons) with excellent drainage. You will also need to be more diligent with watering and feeding, as container plants dry out and exhaust nutrients more quickly.

Your Garden, Transformed

There you have it—your complete roadmap to success with one of the most rewarding climbing roses you can grow. The della reese climbing rose is more than just a plant; it’s a statement piece, a source of fragrance, and a joy to cultivate.

Remember the key takeaways: give it plenty of sun, feed it well with rich soil, guide its canes horizontally for a spectacular flower show, and stay on top of its basic needs. You’re not just planting a rose; you’re creating a vertical garden that will bring you beauty for years to come.

Now you have all the knowledge and expert tips you need. Go forth and grow with confidence. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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