Rosa 'Chevy Chase'
rambler rose
Overview
Rosa 'Chevy Chase' is a once-blooming rambler rose with long, flexible canes reaching 12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 m) and a spread of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) when trained. In early summer it produces large, dense clusters of small, fully double rosettes in deep crimson-red, each flower about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, with up to 50 to 70 blooms per cluster. Flowering occurs in a single flush over three to four weeks and does not repeat. The light green leaves are soft, wrinkled, and matte, dividing into small leaflets along the arching canes. The plant climbs by scrambling and must be tied to a support, as it does not twine or cling on its own. It is vigorous and quickly covers fences, arbors, and large structures. Hips are small, round, and orange-red, ripening after the single bloom. Foliage shows resistance to common rose diseases but can mildew in still, humid air. Because it blooms only once, the flowering period is brief compared with repeat-blooming climbers.
Native Range
Rosa 'Chevy Chase' is a garden hybrid rambler raised in the United States in 1939, derived in part from the wild Chinese species Rosa soulieana. As a cultivated hybrid it has no natural range.Suggested Uses
Used to cover arbors, pergolas, fences, and large trees, and to scramble through robust shrubs. Suited to informal and cottage gardens where there is room for a vigorous, once-blooming rambler.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height12' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Blooms once in early summer, typically June, in dense clusters of small crimson rosettes. The single flush lasts about three to four weeks with no repeat flowering later in the season. Small orange-red hips follow the bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Light greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Rosa 'Chevy Chase' grows in full sun to part sun in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It tolerates soil pH from about 6.0 to 7.0 and responds to annual mulch and feeding in spring. The long canes are tied to fences, arbors, or large supports, as the plant cannot climb without help. Open air circulation reduces mildew in humid conditions. Because it flowers on the previous year's wood, hard pruning removes the coming season's blooms. Watering during dry spells in the first few years helps the deep root system establish.Pruning
Pruning is done after the early-summer flowering, since the plant blooms on year-old wood. Old or weak canes are removed at the base after bloom, and the remaining canes are tied in to renew the framework. Hard pruning in winter or spring removes that year's flowers.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
M
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J
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summer