Heirloom White Rose ‘Prom Queen’ Climber

Botanical Name: Rosa chinensis

Common Name: Heirloom White Rose 'Prom Queen' Climber

About Heirloom Rosa chinensis - Prom Queen:

White Climbing Heirloom Rose 'Prom Queen'  is the rose to try if you have had trouble with roses before because you just can't keep up with the care.

This sturdy, resilient  own root, antique rose was found on an old Florida homestead property about 15 years ago.  It had been abandoned for over 30 years without care and it had not only survived but thrived.

The display of cascading clusters of white flowers and pink tinged buds was just stunning. as was the slightly spicy, classic tea rose fragrance.   I was so impressed that I dug up a portion of it and brought it home.

After being uprooted from her home near the Everglades, she has now survived the destruction of the home she was planted near in a fire in 1982, being uprooted and moved twice after; being stuck in a pot and abandoned in greenhouse nooks and corners; 5 hurricanes, including one that trapped her under the debris of a 50', 100 year old water oak for more than a month, along with several lawn equipment and digging dog incidents.

Prom Queen is just one of the easiest and most rewarding roses that has ever graced my life.  She is a reliable repeat bloomer.  The peak bloom in my climate is spring and fall, when sprays of creamy white and pale pink hang in lush cascades.

The plant is vigorous and fast growing, but is well behaved and doesn't cross into 'house eating' territory.  It looks good with a support like a fence, trellis, arbor or pergola, but is plenty sturdy enough own it's own.

After trying for many years to find out it's true name without success, we have accepted that her former, name, if she was ever given one, is lost.

 Early on, we nicknamed  her  'Prom Queen' because the buds are tinged pink and evoke (for us at least) memories of those vintage prom and bridal gowns and corsages.

 For the best results with Heirloom Rosa chinensis - Prom Queen:

• Plant in well drained soil,
• Provide adequate irrigation
• Feed a good quality bloom boosting plant food
• Prune fairly often 3-4 per year.
• Mulch heavily in the early fall in cold climates

I am uncertain of Prom Queen's cold hardiness north of Zone 7.  If you're in Zone 4, 5, 6 and would like to try it, then I'd suggest transplanting to a 10" pot and letting it grow large before setting it out.  Plant in the early spring, so it has a full season to acclimate, then mulch heavily.

This rose makes a great lasting and meaningful gift for a gardener of any skill level.  We frequently suggest this rose for memorial and commemorative plantings as its unique history makes it a great testament to strength, resilience, and survival.