5 Litre Pot
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well drained
- Growth Rate: Average
- Flowering Period: Summer – Autumn
- Hardiness: H5
- Eventual Height: 4 – 8m
- Eventual Spread: 2.5 – 4m
Rosa Mermaid, also known as just ”Rose’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a climbing rose cultivar that belongs to the family of Rosaceae. It was first introduced in 1918 by the American rose breeder Henry A. Dreer, and is believed to be a hybrid of Rosa Laevigata and Rosa Bracteata.
The Rosa Mermaid is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 8 metres tall or more with support. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are evergreen in warm climates, and produces large fragrant flowers that bloom from Summer to Autumn. Each flower is approximately 5cm in diameter and has five petals that are pale yellow.
One of the most distinctive features of this rose is its ability to produce long, flexible canes that can be trained to climb up walls, trellises, or pergolas. These canes are strong and pliable, allowing the plant to adapt to a variety of growing conditions and support structures.
Overall, this is a beautiful and versatile climbing rose that can add charm and elegance to any garden. Its fragrant blooms, glossy foliage, and flexible canes make it a favourite among gardeners and rose enthusiasts alike.
How to care for your Rosa Mermaid
- Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Plant the rose in a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball and at the same depth. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Watering: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can encourage fungal growth.
- Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early Spring before new growth appears. Repeat this process in late Spring or early Summer to encourage strong blooming. Do not fertilise the plant in late Summer or Autumn, as this can interfere with dormancy.
- Pruning: Prune the plant in late Winter or early Spring to remove dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossed or crowded branches. Cut back the remaining branches by about one-third to encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s shape. Train the long, flexible canes to climb up walls or trellises as desired.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Winter protection: It is hardy down to temperatures of -15˚C. Any colder and it may need winter protection to survive harsh temperatures. Cover the base of the plant with a thick layer of mulch, and wrap the canes in burlap or other protective material.
By following these care guidelines, you can help your Rosa Mermaid grow healthy and produce beautiful blooms year after year.