Large-flowered climbing rose (Rosa 'Meizalitaf' SPECTRA)
Rosa 'Meizalitaf' SPECTRA is a Large-flowered climbing rose known for its gold and red blooms. Ideal for zones 5-9 and requires medium care.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Large-flowered climbing rose, scientifically known as Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA, offers impressive vertical interest for structures in the garden. This variety is highly valued for its substantial size and prolific blooming cycle that extends from early summer through early fall. Gardeners appreciate Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA for its dynamic coloration, where blooms appear as a blend of rich gold and crimson.
As a vigorous deciduous shrub, this climbing rose requires dedicated support to reach its mature height of up to 18 feet. Providing it with full sun exposure ensures the best flowering performance and disease resistance. Proper siting and consistent, medium watering practices are essential for maintaining the health of this showy specimen.
Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA features glossy, deep green foliage that complements the blended gold and red flowers beautifully. Gardeners seeking dramatic vertical accents, fragrant blooms, or high-quality cut flowers should incorporate this robust Large-flowered climbing rose variety into their design plans.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 12-18 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Blend of gold and red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring, ensuring the graft union rests just at or slightly above the soil line. This climber thrives in medium moisture, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loams. While it tolerates very light afternoon shade, best flowering and superior disease resistance are achieved when the plant receives full, uninterrupted sunlight.
Watering should be deep and consistent, preferably in the mornings to allow foliage to dry before evening. Avoid overhead watering if possible to mitigate fungal issues. Applying a layer of summer mulch helps the soil retain necessary moisture, keeps the root zone cool, and helps suppress weed growth around the base of the plant.
Maintenance involves consistent training and pruning. Good air circulation is vital for vigorous growth; ensure there is space between the canes and the support structure. Remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading) throughout the season to promote continuous rebloom of the Large-flowered climbing rose. In areas experiencing harsh winters, crowns require winter protection, particularly in colder zones like St. Louis. Pruning should be done as needed in late winter or early spring to shape the structure and remove any dead or crossing wood.
Landscape Uses
The inherent climbing nature of Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA makes it an excellent focal point against vertical structures. It is specifically recommended for use against walls, draped over arbors, trained along robust trellises, or secured along sturdy fences and pillars. The height potential (up to 18 feet) allows it to soften large, imposing architectural features.
When utilizing this type of climber, consider its need for structure. Ensure whatever support is provided is strong enough to handle the weight of a mature plant over several years. In design, plant shorter, lower-growing perennials or groundcovers at the base to conceal the lower cane structure, ensuring good air movement remains a priority.
This Large-flowered climbing rose provides a spectacular seasonal show, making it ideal for framing entrances or creating fragrant, colorful screens along property lines. The combination of fragrance and color ensures Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA serves as a dynamic, multi-sensory element in formal or cottage garden settings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rosa is a genus celebrated for its diverse shrubs and climbers, noted for often fragrant, single to double flowers borne on prickly stems. Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA, sold as SPECTRA, is a specific cultivar that can reach 18 feet, offering large blooms of changing, blended gold and crimson tones that repeat significantly after the initial flush in May. Its foliage is characterized by a glossy, deep green texture, adding aesthetic appeal even outside of bloom time.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Roses, including Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA, are susceptible to several common issues, most notably fungal diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. While beginning with excellent cultural practices minimizes risk, gardeners in humid climates often need preventative fungicide applications throughout the summer. Potential insect pests include aphids, scale, spider mites, and rose midges.
Controlling these problems starts with strict sanitation; promptly remove and destroy diseased or fallen leaves during the growing season and thoroughly clean the area during winter dormancy. Always choose a planting site with excellent air circulation, as this significantly discourages the development of foliar diseases. Consult local agricultural extension services for regionally specific recommendations on chemical controls and resistant varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA suitable for?
This Large-flowered climbing rose is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. Always ensure crowns are sufficiently protected when overwintering in the colder aspects of this range.
How large does Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA grow?
When fully mature, this cultivar typically achieves a height between 12 and 18 feet, with a spread that generally ranges from 3 to 6 feet wide.
When does Large-flowered climbing rose bloom?
Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA begins blooming in May and continues to flower, with significant repeat performance, through September, displaying a beautiful blend of gold and red.
What sun exposure does Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA need?
For the very best flowering and disease suppression, this rose requires full sun exposure daily.
Conclusion
The Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA Large-flowered climbing rose offers unparalleled vertical drama combined with fragrant, color-changing blooms spanning most of the growing season. Its capacity to cover walls and structures makes it a superior architectural choice for experienced gardeners. Before planting, confirm your climate falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and prepare a sturdy support structure suitable for its eventual 18-foot height.
Companion Planting for Climbing Roses
Selecting appropriate companions for Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA is key to creating a healthy, aesthetically pleasing display while managing maintenance. Companion plants should ideally share similar sun and soil requirements—full sun and well-drained soil are mandatory for both the rose and its neighbors. Consider planting lower-growing, tough perennials around the base to act as living mulch and hide the base of the structure.
Excellent companions include Catmint (Nepeta) for its silvery foliage and clean blue flowers, which complement the gold and red tones of the rose beautifully. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum) provide strong vertical contrast with reliable white blooms. Furthermore, integrating aromatic herbs like Lavender, which deters certain pests, enhances the overall fragrance profile near this fragrant rose.
Seasonal Care Calendar Highlights
Successful stewardship of Rosa ‘Meizalitaf’ SPECTRA depends on proactive seasonal attention. In late winter or very early spring, conduct the primary pruning of the Large-flowered climbing rose just before new growth begins, focusing on structure and removing winter-damaged canes. As spring arrives, begin preventative treatments for black spot and mildew if you observe history of these problems in your area.
In the heat of summer, ensure consistent deep watering, especially if rainfall is scarce. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to redirect the plant’s energy toward producing more gold and red flowers rather than setting hips. As the season winds down in fall, a final thorough removal of all fallen foliage helps reduce the overwintering fungal spores that can cause problems next year.
