Saturday, May 15, 2010

Best of the Climbing Roses So Far-- 'White Dawn'


Since its introduction in the rose world over 60 years ago, 'White Dawn' has proven to be a top garden performer among climbing roses. The dark green, glossy foliage is very blackspot disease resistant. This very vigorous climber (hardiness zone 5 – 9) grows to 12 to 20 feet. Pure white double flowers are medium-sized (2-1/2" to 3"). 'White Dawn' tolerates poor soils if drainage is good. It blooms best in a bright sunny spot.

'White Dawn begins blooming in mid-May in the southern Appalachian region (Zone 6-b to 7-a) and repeats, off and on, through the rest of the growing year. Feed roses starting in early April and monthly to early September with Miracle-Gro®, Schultz®, or equivalent water soluble rose food @ 1 tablespoon per gallon.

Prune climbing roses in late winter (March) when new growth begins. On young climbers, simply remove all diseased, dead and tall nuisance canes. On older climbers, cutback the oldest rambling canes, favoring strong healthy one-year shoots which produce most of the rose blooms in May.

‘White Dawn’ is the first climbing rose to earn the University of Tennessee “No Spray” designation.

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