Found in Seguin, Texas this rose was in full bloom in the middle of December, growing up through a large White Lady Bank rose. It has never repeated this odd behavoir, but we have grown to admire it a great deal. Our "Purple Climber" fills a distinct niche in the garden, being tall, nearly thornless, and arching gracefully under the weight of foliage and flowers. The fragrant roses are dark cerise, double and medium-sized, appearing in quantity in the spring. The foliage turns a dark red in the fall, and the bare, graceful canes in the winter add wonderful architectural depth to a frozen garden. It can be maintained as a slender display plant or allowed to sucker into a thicket, depending on the space available. The overall character of this plant suggests it most likely is a Gallica.

4 to 8 feet    Z4-9    O    Fr    m