Large-flowered climbing rose (Rosa 'Meiroupis' COLETTE)
Rosa 'Meiroupis' COLETTE is a Large-flowered climbing rose boasting fragrant, showy pink blooms from May to frost in zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE, commonly known as the Large-flowered climbing rose, belongs to the Romantica series and is celebrated for bringing old-rose charm combined with vigorous modern performance. Gardeners prize this variety for its strong fragrance and repeat blooming habit, consistently producing ruffled, double pink flowers throughout the growing season. As a strong-growing climber, Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE requires structural support to maximize its visual impact across walls, arbors, or fences.
This deciduous shrub typically matures between 5 and 7 feet tall, offering glossy dark green foliage that contrasts beautifully with its blooms. While it performs best in full sun, it can tolerate very light shade, though optimal flowering and disease resistance are achieved with maximum light exposure. Gardeners should anticipate a medium level of maintenance to ensure this beautiful Large-flowered climbing rose thrives.
The introduction of Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE brings reliable rebloom and good winter hardiness to climbing rose enthusiasts. Its ability to produce abundant blooms from early May until the first frost makes it a continuous source of color and fragrance in the landscape, making it a worthy addition to any structure needing reliable vertical interest.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-7 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: May to frost
- Bloom Description: Pink (double)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The ideal location for establishing Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE is where it receives full sun, which bolsters both flowering density and disease resistance. Plant in late winter or early spring into medium-moisture, well-drained garden loams that are slightly acidic. Ensure excellent air circulation around the structure where the rose will climb; this is a crucial cultural practice for preventing common foliar diseases.
Water this Large-flowered climbing rose deeply and consistently, making mornings the preferred time to water. Always avoid overhead watering techniques, directing moisture instead toward the base of the plant. Applying a summer mulch will help regulate soil temperature, conserve necessary soil moisture, and suppress weed competition around the root zone.
Routine maintenance for Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE includes removing spent flowers throughout the season to stimulate further rebloom cycles. At the end of the season, or in late winter/early spring, prune as needed to shape the plant and remove any dead or crossing wood. Finally, in cold winter climates like St. Louis, remember to provide winter protection for the crowns of this specimen.
Landscape Uses
The primary landscape role for Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE is vertical accentuation. This Large-flowered climbing rose excels when trained along substantial structures, such as sturdy fences, tall pergolas, or solid brick walls. Its height and robust growth habit mean it can effectively soften harsh boundaries or draw the eye upward.
Consider pairing this variety with perennials or shrubs that share similar full-sun requirements and medium water needs, ensuring a harmonious planting scheme, particularly when planting at the base of the support structure. The combination of its glossy foliage and highly fragrant, double pink blooms provides a traditional, romantic element that complements formal or cottage garden designs equally well.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rosa is a genus of about 150 species of deciduous (occasionally evergreen) shrubs and climbers noted for their beautiful, often fragrant, single, semidouble or double flowers which are borne singly or in clusters on often prickly stems clad with 5-9 leaflets often having toothed margins. Climbing roses usually need support by securing to a pillar, fence or wall but some can be grown more as a shrub. Genus name comes from the Latin name for rose. ‘Meiroupis’ is a large-flowered climbing rose (Romantica series) introduced by the House of Meilland of Cote d’Azure, France. COLETTE typically grows 5-7’ tall and features 2-5 ruffled, double pink blooms (3-3.5” diameter) per stem, also sold as JOHN KEATS.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Like all roses, Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including the notorious black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Proactive cultural practices are the best first line of defense, such as ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, especially in humid climates. Regular preventative fungicide applications may be necessary throughout the growing season if problems persist.
Gardeners should also monitor for common pests, which may include aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Early detection and immediate, appropriate treatment will prevent major infestations. Always consult local extension services for the most effective and regionally recommended control measures for pests and diseases affecting your Large-flowered climbing rose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE suitable for?
This vigorous variety is reliable in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does the Large-flowered climbing rose grow?
Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE generally reaches a height between 5 and 7 feet, spreading 3 to 4 feet wide.
When does Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE bloom?
Expect beautiful, fragrant pink double flowers to appear starting in May and continuing to bloom intermittently until the first hard frost.
What sun exposure does Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE need?
This plant thrives best when grown in full sun, which is vital for superior flowering and better resistance to common rose ailments.
Conclusion
The Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE offers gardeners a superb combination of old-world fragrance, reliable repeat blooming, and robust growth, establishing it as a premier Large-flowered climbing rose. Its vibrant pink blooms provide continuous summer interest when properly sited and cared for. Evaluate your growing space now, ensuring you have full sun and robust support before planning your planting during the appropriate cool season.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable neighbors is crucial for the health and appearance of climbing roses. Companion plants for Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE should tolerate full sun and appreciate similarly medium water requirements. Consider planting low-growing herbs like chives or thyme around the base, as their shallow root systems won’t compete heavily with the rose’s primary feeding area.
For aesthetic appeal, pair the bright pink blooms with contrasting foliage colors, such as silver-leaved Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), or use deep purple companions like Catmint (Nepeta) or Salvia. These pairings help frame the vertical growth of the Large-flowered climbing rose while keeping the area mulched and attractive.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the primary time for both major pruning and initiation of disease prevention sprays for Rosa ‘Meiroupis’ COLETTE. As new growth emerges, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for roses. Begin regular inspections for early signs of pests or mildew immediately following leaf-out.
During the summer growing season, focus heavily on consistent, deep watering at the base of the plant, and deadhead faded blooms promptly to maintain energy for repeat flowering. Continue preventative spraying programs as needed based on local humidity and rainfall patterns, ensuring the glossy green foliage remains healthy.
As autumn approaches, reduce fertilizer applications to encourage hardening off for winter dormancy. In colder sections of its range (Zone 5), prepare to offer winter protection to the crowns once the plant has gone dormant, covering the base with heavy mulch or wrapping canes as recommended locally.
