Rosa x wichuraiana White New Dawn - Climbing Rose

The climbing rose 'White New Dawn' has managed to retain all the qualities of robustness and charm of its parent, the famous New Dawn, which is highly regarded by amateur and professional gardeners alike. Its double flowers with slightly blurred lines are a snowy white, and their beautiful fragrance recalls that of old roses. If the faded flowers are removed, they will be replaced in successive waves from May until autumn. With its strong vigour and undemanding nature, this rose will charm all lovers of romantic roses.

This 'White New Dawn' rose is the result of a cross between the roses 'New Dawn' and 'Lily Pons'. It carries the genes of the Wichura rose (synonym Rosa luciae), a vigorous botanical species native to East Asia. Just like the old roses 'Alberic Barbier' or 'Albertine', it produces very spiny arching branches, but it rarely exceeds a height of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet). Its small deciduous foliage is a bright medium green with a satin finish, and it falls in autumn. Depending on the growing conditions, it can be slightly susceptible to black spot (marsonia) and powdery mildew. 'White New Dawn' blooms abundantly in late spring and may rebloom to some extent in summer if it is not lacking water. The fall rebloom is regular, abundant, and prolonged if the faded flowers are pruned. Its flowers are cup-shaped doubles with a diameter of 8cm (3in), slightly crumpled, although the curved and turbinate forms of modern roses can already be seen on their fringed petals. Grouped in small bouquets, they consist of 20 to 39 white petals surrounding a barely pink heart adorned with yellow stamens, which are visible before the flower fades.

The climbing rose 'White New Dawn' will make a powerful and charming duo with its parent 'New Dawn', blooming for almost 6 months. This climber, which is undeterred by anything, dresses trellises, pergolas, or tall bushes wonderfully. It adapts to many situations, even flowering in the rather shady areas of the garden in our sunniest regions. It also accommodates all types of soil, but prefers well-tilled and deep soil as well as a well-ventilated exposure. Like 'Albertine', 'Felicia', 'American Pillar', and 'May Queen', it is particularly interesting for bringing lushness and colour to areas of the garden that are less favorable to roses. Sturdy, undemanding, and frugal, it will thrive in both the north and south of our country, with some care at planting. Like other large climbers, it can easily hide an unsightly structure, climb a wall, adorn a flowering hedge, or a sturdy small tree.

Obtained by Longley de Somerset Rose Nursery (Scotland), 1949.