Rosa 'Etoile de Hollande' - Climbing Rose

The 'Etoile de Hollande' Rose perfectly embodies the pergola rose and remains a reference in its category despite being somewhat susceptible to diseases. Its main asset is its scarlet flowers' powerful and enchanting fragrance, which sometimes bloom as early as the end of April in a sheltered location. It vigorously produces long, flexible stems that are easy to train and offers an abundance of large, double flowers that are not overly extravagant but beautiful in their imperfection under a robe of intensely velvety crimson red. It should be placed near a window or on the pergola that tops the terrace to enjoy its superb red rose perfume fully.

The climbing rose 'Etoile de Hollande', discovered in 1931 by Mathias Leenders, is part of the complex family of old Tea hybrids, also known as large-flowered roses. It is the climbing version of a famous Dutch creation by Vershuren dating back to 1919. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded this variety in England for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. It is a woody climbing rose with strong vigour. It has a flexible habit and thorny stems, often reaching 5m (16ft) in height with a 2m (7ft) spread, depending on growing conditions. Its large, glossy, dark green foliage is quite susceptible to diseases and often sparse. The flowering is early and recurrent. The plant blooms abundantly from the end of April or early May and sporadically during the summer. The autumn flowering in September-October is abundant as long as the soil remains moist. Its roses are 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) wide, usually solitary and slightly loose, composed of 26 to 40 petals of a brilliant red, revealing a bright yellow stamen heart late. Their fragrance is exceptional.

Red climbing roses that are fragrant and repeat flowering are rare enough to be sought after and appreciated at their true value. Always spectacular, they are exceptional under the intense light of hotter climates, making pastel flower lovers enjoy red flowers. These roses deserve to be placed not far from the house, on a wall exposed to the morning sun, on a tree, or on a large and sturdy structure to support the weight of their flowering. They allow for sumptuous decorations throughout the summer and require relatively little maintenance, except for regular watering in summer during periods of high heat and prolonged drought. Mix or combine them with easy-to-grow large-flowered clematis such as 'Etoile Violette', 'Prince Charles', or 'Broughton Star'. They are good companions for phlox paniculata, delphiniums, foxgloves, catmints, and tall baby's breath.