This is Rose Handel, a climbing rose bred by Sam McGredy and introduced in 1965. It has beautiful pink flowers in summer. Woah, don't adjust your screen settings. I forgot to mention, it has creamy white flowers in late autumn, and also in midwinter by the look of it, as this is now flowering in January. What ? You've already changed your screen settings ? Oops, sorry.
I bought this rose about 20 years ago. I had just had a rose arch put up, with Rose Golden Showers growing up one side. A friend of mine recommended Handel, so I bought it and planted it on the other side of the arch. I have since discovered that it is prone to disease, but mine is still going strong unlike Golden Showers that I lost several years ago. Handel's survival may be due to it being grown with a Clematis Jackmanii that gives it winter protection. I prune the clematis in late winter, but don't remove the leaves and dead stems until spring.
Still a bit windy today, but nothing like the last few days. The local weatherman referred to the 93mph gust as a lee wave, similar to the gusts in 1962 that flattened a Sheffield housing estate. Fortunately, this time the gust was in a rural area rather than the city centre. Nature can really be a vandal at times.
So true are your comments about nature - a vandal definitely, but a provider of bountiful gifts as well.
ReplyDeleteI love roses also; Handel is lovely.
I have a few rose flowers hanging on as well, I just hope they don't exhaust themselves before the summer.
ReplyDeleteHaving a rose for 20 years is amazing and gardening in one place that long, too :-)! Even though I don't grow it myself I know Handel and think it is a very beautiful rose. Wow, 93mph gust is quite stormy. I am glad that there was no damage done in the city.
ReplyDeleteChristina
I love the creamy color. I bet it is gorgeous when it blooms together with the clematis.
ReplyDeleteYou've had the same rose for 20 years? WOW! It's definiely a beauty. What a treat to have a rose bloom in the winter. Happy for you! :o)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, Like your approach and words. Will be checking in soon. Here on the shore of Lake Michigan it is a little different than on your side of the "pond" so I look forward to learning from your photos and words. Every month I pick one or tow new blogs to follow, and you are the lucky one this month! Jack
ReplyDeleteI was glancing thru your blog, saw you listed on blotanical. I've been blogging about my garden for a year or so. I saw you use the phrase 'any road up' on one of your blog posts. I'm reading an Irish book that uses that phrase; I have no idea what it means. All the best, Kelli.
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