Roses ‘Don Juan’ is noted for its climbing growth habit and the number of flowers it produces during the blooming season. This rose is also distinguished by its doubled dark red blossoms with velvety petals and sweet fragrance that makes it popular in flower gardens. Cut flowers are also used in bouquets.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rich with a strong rose fragrance, Rosa ‘Don Juan’ is a climbing hybrid tea rose with very large, full, cupped-to-flat, dark velvety red flowers, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), having as many as 30-35 petals. Blooming in flushes from early summer and throughout the season, the sumptuous blooms stand out against the leathery foliage of glossy, dark green leaves and make an impressive display. Regarded as one of the best of the red climbers, this rose has seduced gardeners and rosarians for more than half a century. A spectacular climbing rose for walls, arbors, fences, pillars, or other structures. Excellent as cut flowers too.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Roses ‘Don Juan’ thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to optimize growth and bloom production. While roses ‘Don Juan’ tolerates partial sun, where it receives slightly diffused or indirect light for part of the day, prolonged exposure to less than optimal light may lead to reduced vigor and fewer blooms. In terms of adaptive traits, roses ‘Don Juan’ adjusts its flowering in response to the intensity of light received, with more direct light encouraging richer, more vibrant blooms. Ideally, roses ‘Don Juan’ should be planted in open areas outdoors where sunlight is abundant, ensuring robust growth and health.
Temperature
Roses ‘Don Juan’ can endure temperature variations remarkably well, tolerating cold down to -20℃ (-4℉) and heat up to 38℃ (100℉). This makes roses ‘Don Juan’ adaptable to both cooler and warmer climates. During extreme cold, symptoms such as leaf discoloration and dieback may appear, while overheating can cause wilting and scorched leaves. Care requirements include mulching and covering plants in freezing temperatures and ensuring adequate watering and shade during high heat. Protective measures help maintain roses ‘Don Juan”s health, making it suitable for diverse environments.
Watering
Roses ‘Don Juan’ thrives in well-hydrated conditions, reflecting its preference for the consistent moisture found in its native environment. This species is known for requiring a moderate balance of water, neither too dry nor overly saturated. Care should be taken to water roses ‘Don Juan’ twice a week to maintain optimal hydration levels. Given that roses ‘Don Juan’ is commonly grown outdoors, it’s important to consider how natural rainfall can supplement irrigation practices, especially during the growing season when water demand peaks.
Soil
Roses ‘Don Juan’ can adapt to a variety of soil types and grows best in acidic soil which is fertile, loose, and water-drained. When planting in the garden, you should choose a place on higher terrain with sufficient sunlight, good air ventilation, and slightly acidic soil. Planting in high terrain helps avoid water accumulation in soil. Before planting, deeply loosen the soil and use organic fertilizer as base fertilizer. If planting as a potted plant, use humus-rich and slightly acidic sandy soil.
Fertilizing
Roses ‘Don Juan’ favors fertile soil, so it’s best to apply fertilizer several times during the growing season, but only in small amounts each time. In the spring and summer, you can use liquid fertilizer twice a month and use slow-release fertilizer every two months. Add more nutrients for more lush plants and flowers. A slow-release organic fertilizer can be used in winter so the new shoot and buds in next year’s bloom will be lush; these flowers will be large and gorgeous.
If roses ‘Don Juan’ is to be used for fresh-cut flowers, fertilize them 1-2 times a week during the florescence. Pay attention to the cultivation of branches with flowers. Cut off flower buds from weak branches of the plant to concentrate nutrients in the stronger ones. Additionally, a sprinkling of Mycorrhizal fungi (which is also sold as Root Grow) at the base of the plant will allow the beneficial fungi to form a symbiotic relationship with the root system, helping it to absorb nutrients and water.
Planting Instructions
If planting potted roses ‘Don Juan’ in your garden, it’s best to find a suitable site with adequate sunlight, fertile soil, good drainage, and preferably a place that hasn’t been planted with any roses before. A field that previously grew roses may increase the probability of infection. Transplanting can be done in all seasons except winter.
First, dig a pit that is twice as big as the flower pot. Add a small amount of base fertilizer to the pit, and place the root system or rootball into the pit so that the root crown (where the aboveground part and the underground part connect) is at or slightly higher than the surface of the soil. Backfill and slowly compact the soil. A layer of organic mulch can be used to cover the soil surface for heat preservation of roots and also reduce the growth of weeds. Water thoroughly after transplanting and water often in the first week to avoid wilting caused by a lack of water.
If transplanting roses ‘Don Juan’ from one part of the garden to another, do it in fall to avoid the cold of winter. Water the plants three days before transplanting; this makes it easy to dig up and retain the rootballs. Then, trim off the overlong branches and excessive leaves, leaving 3-4 branches per plant to reduce excessive consumption of nutrients and ensure its survival. Prune any unhealthy roots left after being dug up.
If a bare-root rose cannot be immediately planted after purchase, it can simply be placed into a pit and covered with soil. If it has already gone without water for some time, it’s better to soak its roots in water for half an hour before planting to help it recover. It is recommended to plant bare-root roses in gardens in the fall.
Pruning
Roses ‘Don Juan’ are vigorous climbing plants with large, aromatic flowers. Prune in early spring to remove dead, damaged, or weak stems. Begin by cutting back canes to shape the plant and promote air circulation. Ensure to trim any crossing branches to avoid injury. This selective pruning encourages robust flowering and healthier growth. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease transmission. Regular pruning helps manage size and shape while enhancing overall vitality and bloom production.
Propagation
Introducing the highly desirable roses ‘Don Juan’, this iconic flowering shrub is propagated predominantly through cutting. A segment of a healthy, non-flowering stem makes an ideal starting point, ensuring it includes several leaf nodes. To promote root development, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining, moisture-retentive medium optimizes success rates. Maintaining a humid environment by covering the cutting with a plastic dome or bag supports growth. Once rooted and established, gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions is crucial for the vitality of roses ‘Don Juan’.
Transplanting
To give your roses ‘Don Juan’ the best start, relocating them in the season of renewal and growth, typically from the awakening of early spring till the blooming splendor of late spring, proves most beneficial. Ensure a sunny spot with well-drained soil for these beauties to thrive. Gentle handling and soil engagement are key.
III. Uses and Benefits
Roses ‘Don Juan’ is perfect climber for walls, arbors, fences, or other garden structures. Plant it where you will be able to enjoy its perfume daily: near a doorway, along a path, near your patio or deck. Excellent cut flowers.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Roses ‘Don Juan’ produces excellent fresh flowers that can be pruned with sharp scissors as soon as they bloom. It is best to pick flowers in the morning to avoid loss of water through plant transpiration at noon. After picking, it is necessary to trim the base of the branch at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area. Quickly put the flower into a vase with clean water to avoid water loss.
