Introduction

Rosa "Compassion" (Compassion Climbing Rose) is a climbing rose reaching 3.5 metres with salmon-pink apricot flowers in summer. Disease resistance: good. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Valued for its fragrant flowers.

Rosa "Compassion", known as Compassion Climbing Rose, is a climbing rose of the Rosaceae family. It produces exquisite salmon-pink apricot blooms during summer on long, arching canes that can reach 3.5 metres in height and 2 metres in spread. The flowers are borne on lateral shoots that develop from the main structural canes. Fragrance: strong, sweet and fruity. The foliage is typically glossy dark_green, providing an attractive backdrop to the blooms. Disease resistance is rated as good. The flowers emit a delightful fragrance that carries well in still air, making this an excellent choice near seating areas and pathways. Like all climbing roses, this cultivar requires regular tying-in of main canes to the support structure. Training canes horizontally maximizes flower production by encouraging lateral flowering shoots to break along the full length.

Botanical Description

Classification: Rosaceae > Rosa. The Rosaceae (rose family) includes many important ornamental and fruit-bearing genera. Rosa is a genus of approximately 300 species. Climbing roses are not a separate botanical species but rather cultivars selected for their long, flexible canes suitable for training vertically. They are divided into Large-Flowered Climbers (stiff canes, repeat-flowering) and Ramblers (flexible canes, often once-flowering). Originated in England.

Climbing Mechanism

Rosa "Compassion" is a climbing rose that uses long, arching canes armed with recurved thorns to hook onto adjacent structures and supports. Unlike true climbers, roses do not self-attach and must be trained and tied to their support system. The thorns provide some natural grip but the canes need regular tying-in with soft garden twine, figure-eight knots, or rose clips. Fan the main canes outward and tie horizontally where possible to encourage lateral flowering shoots. Can reach 3.5 metres when properly trained against a wall or over a pergola.

Group Climbing Guide — Climbing Rose

Scramblers using thorns for grip. Must be tied to supports manually. Flexible canes for training on arches.

Planting Guide

Step 1 — Site Selection: Choose a position in full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight daily) with good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases. Avoid planting where a rose previously grew (rose replant disease). Step 2 — Support Installation: Install a wall (with or without wire supports) or solid vertical surface before planting. For walls, fix horizontal galvanized wires at 45 cm intervals using vine eyes. Ensure the support stands at least 8 cm from the wall for air circulation. Step 3 — Soil Preparation: Dig a hole 60 cm wide and 45 cm deep. Incorporate well-rotted manure, mycorrhizal fungi granules, and bone meal. Target pH 6.0-6.5. Step 4 — Planting: For bare-root roses, soak the roots for 2 hours before planting. Position the graft union (bud union) at or just below soil level. Plant 30-45 cm from the wall base, angling the roots toward the support. Step 5 — Training: Immediately tie the main canes to the support, fanning them outward at 45-degree angles. Water deeply and mulch with 8 cm of composted bark, keeping clear of the stem base.

Climate & Hardiness

Spring (March-May): Complete pruning by mid-March. Apply a rose-specific granular fertilizer. Mulch with 8 cm of composted bark or well-rotted manure. Check for aphids and treat early. Begin a preventive fungicide spray programme if necessary. Summer (June-August): Deadhead spent blooms promptly. Feed again after the first flush of flowers with a rose fertilizer or liquid seaweed. Water deeply at the base (avoid wetting foliage to reduce fungal disease). Tie in new growth. Monitor for blackspot, mildew, and rust. Autumn (September-November): Stop deadheading to allow hips to form (provides winter interest and bird food). Reduce watering. Collect and destroy fallen diseased leaves. Apply a winter mulch. Winter (December-February): Prune in late winter. Check and repair support structures. Re-tie main canes. Apply a winter wash to control overwintering pests. Plant bare-root roses during mild spells.

Overwintering Guide

Tie in loose growth before winter gales. Mulch base 10cm. No pruning in autumn — wait for spring.

Propagation

Stem cuttings (primary method): Take semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer (July-August). Select healthy, current season's growth, cutting just below a leaf node. Cuttings should be 10-15 cm long. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder, and insert into a well-drained mix of perlite and peat (50:50). Place in a propagator or cover with a clear plastic bag. Bottom heat of 18-21°C improves success rates. Roots typically develop within 4-8 weeks. Success rate: 60-80%. Layering (alternative): In spring, select a low-growing flexible stem. Wound the underside lightly, pin it to the ground with a wire staple, and cover with soil. Keep moist. Roots develop over 6-12 months. Sever from the parent plant and transplant the following season. Success rate: 80-90%.

Pests & Diseases

Common Problems

Group Disease & Pest Reference (Climbing Rose)

• Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) — dark spots on leaves leading to defoliation; pick up fallen leaves, spray with fungicide
• Powdery mildew — white coating on leaves, buds, stems; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering
• Rust (Phragmidium) — orange pustules on leaf undersides; remove affected leaves, spray with myclobutanil
• Aphids — dense colonies on new growth; encourage ladybirds, blast with water, or use soap spray
• Rose replant disease — poor growth when planting new roses where old ones grew; replace soil or use mycorrhizal fungi

Training & Pruning

Pruning timing: Late winter to early spring (February-March), while the plant is dormant but buds are beginning to swell. Structural pruning: Maintain 4-6 strong main canes as the permanent framework. Remove any dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing canes (the 4 D's). Cut out any canes older than 3-4 years, replacing with vigorous new growth from the base. Lateral pruning: Shorten the side shoots (laterals) arising from the main canes to 2-3 buds (approximately 10-15 cm). These shortened laterals will produce the season's flowers. Training technique: Train main canes as horizontally as possible. This interrupts auxin flow (the growth hormone) and encourages every bud along the cane to produce a flowering lateral. Use figure-eight ties of soft garden twine to attach canes to horizontal wires. Deadheading: Remove spent blooms throughout the season to encourage repeat flowering. Cut back to a strong outward-facing bud with a five-leaflet leaf.

Pruning Guide — Climbing Rose

Tie new shoots horizontally to encourage flowering laterals. Remove 1–2 oldest stems annually. Deadhead repeat-bloomers.

Support Structures

Wall wires: Horizontal galvanized wires at 45 cm intervals, fixed 8 cm from the wall using vine eyes. This allows air circulation behind the plant, reducing disease. Trellis: Hinged at the base so it can be lowered for wall maintenance. Ensure it is strong enough to support the mature weight of the rose. Pergola/Arch: Minimum dimensions: uprights 10×10 cm, arch span 1.2 m minimum. Train canes up and over, tying regularly. For arches, plant one rose on each side. Pillar/Obelisk: Minimum 2 m tall, wrap the canes in a spiral ascending pattern to encourage flowering along the full length. Dimensions needed: Support should accommodate a mature height of 3.5m and spread of 2m. Use soft garden twine for ties, not wire which cuts into canes.

Support Guide — Climbing Rose

Walls with horizontal wires at 45cm spacing. Arches, pergolas, pillars. Use soft ties, check monthly.

Wildlife Value

Rosa "Compassion" is a valuable pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and hover flies to the garden. The fragrant flowers are particularly attractive to night-flying moths. Ecosystem services: The climbing habit creates valuable vertical habitat, providing shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and invertebrates. Dense foliage offers roosting sites for birds and overwintering habitat for beneficial insects.

Landscape Design

Walls and fences: Rosa "Compassion" is well-suited to covering walls and fences when provided with suitable support structures. Pergolas and arbors: Suitable for smaller structures, arches, and obelisks. Screening: Creates seasonal screening (summer privacy) when grown on appropriate support. Effective for disguising unsightly structures, dividing garden rooms, or creating private spaces. Ground cover: Can also be allowed to scramble as ground cover on banks or over low walls. Combine with other climbers for a layered, naturalistic effect.

History & Culture

Roses have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, with climbing varieties featuring prominently in gardens since Roman times. The climbing rose is a symbol of love, devotion, and aspiration. In the medieval period, roses were grown against castle walls for both beauty and their perceived protective qualities. This cultivar originated in England.

Container Growing

Rosa "Compassion" is not recommended for container growing due to its vigorous root system and large mature size (3.5m). The plant requires open ground to develop a sufficiently large root system for healthy growth and flowering. If space is limited, consider a more compact cultivar or alternative species better suited to container culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seasonal Care Calendar