can you help me identify this rambler rose

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

This rose was outside my bedroom window when I was a child growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, over 70 years ago. It was trained as a climber then. I would guess it came from a cutting from my aunt's garden, and maybe from my grandmothers to hers, who knows? But I took some cuttings before my family home was sold, and it has been in my yard here in Portland OR for 25 years or more. I think it is more truly a "rambler" than a climber, as it has one full burst of bloom right around now. Apologies I did not take a pic showing the size of the blossoms but they are on the slightly smaller side. I would so love to know its name. If you all don't recognize it, would it help to find someone local to show it to? How would I find someone?

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User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi Susan.

I think the odds are that you have 'Dr. W. van Fleet', a Wichurana climber bred here in the USA and introduced in 1910. I can see that the foliage is quite glossy, and the bloom style/color is right for this rose, but I don't see its thorns: there are likely a modest number of hooked thorns, probably brown in color, yes? I expect the blooms have a somewhat delicate fragrance reminiscent of green Apples, is that right?

Your description suggests that it flowers only once, in early Summer, which would make this 'Dr. W. van Fleet'. If it has the ability to rebloom throughout the growing season, then it would be the sport of 'Dr. W. van Fleet' called 'New Dawn', which is far more popular because of its ability to bloom more than once a year. Both are beautiful roses, well worth the space they take up.

"Dr. W. van Fleet' on HMF

Regards,

Paul
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