James H. Schutte
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Rosa 'Golden Showers'
Plant Common Name
Climbing Rose, Golden Showers Climbing Rose
General Description
A free-flowering climbing rose, ‘Golden Showers’ blooms from late spring to the first frost of autumn. The flowers are large, open, fragrant, and double (extra petals). They open golden yellow and fade to white, giving the plant a parti-colored look, warm and cool at the same time. The slightly lax stems rise from head-high to just out of reach when supported and bear flowers almost from bottom to top. The stems must be tied to a trellis or arbor as they lengthen or they will eventually bend upside down or even flop. This is a deciduous shrub, dropping its leaves in fall and making new stems on old stems and from the rootstock in spring.
Like many roses, ‘Golden Showers” is susceptible to pests and diseases and may need spraying for both. Good growing conditions help reduce the problems. Plant this rose in full sun on slightly acidic, well-drained soil, with room around it so breezes can dry the leaves quickly after a rain. Do not encourage vigorous growth because fast-growing stems and their leaves are vulnerable to disease. Water sparingly and fertilize lightly, if at all, or fertilize by mulching the plant with shredded leaves or compost, which break down slowly, yielding a steady, modest supply of nutrient to the soil. In the coldest parts of its hardiness range, ‘Golden Showers’ may lose its stems over the winter. To make sure the rootstock survives to make new stems, cover it with a mound of soil or surround it with wire mesh and fill the enclosure with dry leaves.
Use this handsome climber to add height to a perennial bed or border by training it on a trellis, or train it on an arbor, fence or south-facing wall. Leave room between the stems to help keep the leaves dry and to spread the flowers across the plant.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m
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Width
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
