Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is a rose cultivar bred in France in 1868 by the hybridizer Bizot and named after the wife of a fellow rose enthusiast. This hybrid is noteable firstly because it is a (virtually) thornless variety and secondly because it is a climbing variety that is a highly valued addition to garden walls, frames, trellises, and the like.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Noted for its shade and poor soils tolerance, Rosa ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is a vigorous climbing Bourbon rose with masses of highly fragrant, semi-double, carmine flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), counting up to 30 petals. Borne on thornless, purplish stems, the blooms are produced in great quantities and almost continuously from late spring to frost.
This Rose is such an excellent repeat bloomer that it is worthy of applause. The flowers are perfectly displayed against the semi-glossy rich green foliage, which emerges bright copper-red. Popular ever since its introduction in 1868, this free-flowering heirloom rose is regarded as one of the best and most reliable climbing roses.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ favors full sun and also can tolerate a half shade environment. In partial shade, it usually only grows leaves and does not bloom. Even if it has flower buds, the flower is neither gorgeous nor fragrant. As a result, it is recommended that gardeners ensure sunlight at least 6 hours per day during the growing season (but not necessarily in winter). In summer, it should be appropriately shaded to prevent overexposure to sunlight.
Temperature
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is widely distributed from cold temperate zones to tropical areas. It likes cool, ventilated environments and is not tolerant of high temperatures. The optimum temperature range is 15 to 26 ℃. Some species can tolerate temperatures as low as -26 ℃ and high temperatures of up to 35 ℃. When the temperature is below 4 ℃ in winter and above 30 ℃ in summer, the plant becomes semi-dormant and has poor growth. The flowers during this period will have a few small, white petals with a dim and lusterless color and are not good-looking at all.
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ favors moist conditions but is not resistant to water-logging. It can tolerate moderate drought. Provide more water from budding to flowering, but reduce watering after blooming time. After blooming, wait to water again until the soil is basically dry to avoid any accumulation. Ensure good ventilation and drain excess water during the rainy season to prevent damage to its roots.
Watering
Originating from environments where moisture is regularly available, roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ has adapted to require consistent hydration. It exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil, indicative of its non-drought-tolerant nature. To maintain this balance, roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ should be watered twice a week. Typically grown outdoors due to their need for natural light and air circulation, roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ thrives when the soil’s moisture level mimics the soft rain of its native climate zones, promoting robust growth and flowering.
Soil
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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 ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ has a strong sprouting ability and grows luxuriantly. Without proper, timely pruning, it will attract diseases and pests in hot, humid, insufficiently lit, or poorly ventilated conditions. After the first bloom, the plant should be slightly pruned. Promptly cut off faded flowers and thin, overlapping branches, leaving only young and strong branches. During winter dormancy, careful pruning is recommended.
For vines, keep main branches at 2 to 3 m long and cut off the rest. For bush plants, cut 1.02 cm above full buds, prune the whole plant to 1/3 of its original height, and leave 4-6 thicker branches while ensuring that the overall shape of the plant meets your desired appearance.
Propagation
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is a thornless climbing rose variety cherished for its fragrant, deep pink blooms and historical charm. Successfully propagating roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings, approximately six inches in length, from healthy canes. The basal cut should be made at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node, and the top cut straight, above the node. It’s essential to use a rooting hormone to enhance root development and plant the cuttings in a well-draining, nutrient-rich substrate. Consistent moisture and indirect light provide a conducive environment for root establishment. Over time, expert care leads to the growth of a new plant that mirrors the parent’s aesthetic allure.
Transplanting
The ideal time to relocate roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ is when the air is mild and soil is workable, particularly from the awakening of spring till the early days of summer, or as autumn hues give way to winter’s chill. Select a spot with ample sunlight and well-drained soil for a thriving transplant. Gentle care during the move ensures roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin”s roots adjust seamlessly.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Roses ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ 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.
