Rosa 'Roi de Siam' - Climbing Rose

The climbing rose 'Roi de Siam' is a very ancient repeat-flowering hybrid tea rose, little known in the horticultural trade. Beyond its great elegance, it is one of the most powerfully scented red roses. Its large, sumptuous, turbinated roses are heavy with petals that release a heady scent of old-fashioned roses depending on the time and weather. From bud to fully mature flower, they are superb at all stages of their blooming, their colour ranging from madder red to pure carmine. This variety, which does not grow large, will benefit from planting in groups of 2 or 3. Provide it with a semi-shaded position protected from strong winds and heavy frosts.

The 'Roi de Siam' rose is part of the complex family of hybrid teas, closely related to historical tea roses, which are not very hardy, generally have a climbing habit, and are not tolerant of severe pruning. It was created by the French rose breeder Barbier for Laffay and dates back to before 1825. It is a sarmentous rose with a narrow, slightly rigid habit and vigorous, sparsely thorny stems that reach 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in height and 1 to 2 metres (3 to 7 feet) in spread, depending on growing conditions. Its moderate growth rate and dark green, matte, deciduous foliage is quite resistant to diseases such as blackspot and powdery mildew. Depending on the climate, it may be necessary to treat it preventively. It is distinguished by the sweet scent of its large roses. Measuring 9-10 cm (4in) in diameter, they are full, heavy, slightly trailing, grouped in small clusters of astonishing carmine red. While its summer flowering is dazzling, the repeat flowering depends on the care given to the plant, particularly the freshness and fertility of the soil.

'Roi de Siam' is an elegant and sparsely thorny rose that should be planted near the house or a window to enjoy its exceptional fragrance. Choose a sheltered and warm location, showcase it on a small stake or a column, trained on an arch near the terrace, or even in a small garden. It is incomparable for giving a touch of theatricality to romantic borders. It pairs well with the mauve roses of Blue Girl, Claude Brasseur or Sissi, or the white corollas of the English rose 'Winchester Cathedral'. It is an ideal companion for flowering shrubs (buddleias, mock oranges, lilacs) and perennials such as campanulas, Nepeta, perennial salvias, and foxgloves, adding tremendous charm.