How to Grow Climbing Etoile de Hollande

Climbing Etoile de Hollande

Rosa 'Climbing Etoile de Hollande'

vine

Climbing Etoile de Hollande is a vigorous climbing rose with deep crimson-red, fragrant hybrid tea-type flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season. This is the climbing sport of the classic Etoile de Hollande bush rose, offering the same exquisite color and scent in a vining form that can reach 12-15 feet or more. It's prized for arbors, pergolas, and tall structures where its dramatic blooms and rich fragrance create a stunning visual and olfactory display.

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Example Climbing Etoile de Hollande timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Climbing Etoile de Hollande
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Climbing Etoile de Hollande
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Climbing Etoile de Hollande dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for optimal blooming and disease resistance

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Water: Deep, regular watering 1-2 times weekly depending on rainfall and temperature; approximately 1-1.5 inches per week. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and minimize disease. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: First blooms appear in first or second year; full mature size and flowering 3-4 years

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Planting depth: Plant bare-root roses at the bud union depth appropriate to your zone (at soil level in warm zones, 1-2 inches below in cold zones); container roses at same depth as in pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Bone meal for phosphorus Mycorrhizal fungi inoculant

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 6-9, with winter protection beneficial in zone 5

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First 4-8 weeks

Newly planted rose with limited root system, sparse canes, and minimal growth above ground

Water consistently and gently; avoid fertilizing first 4-6 weeks; install sturdy support structure; mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer of first year

Vigorous cane development with healthy green foliage and lengthening shoots; minimal or no flowers

Train canes horizontally along support to encourage lateral blooming; prune to promote branching; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; maintain consistent moisture; watch for spider mites and powdery mildew

First Flowering

Early summer through fall (with pause during peak heat in zones 9+)

Emergence of first deep crimson-red blooms with hybrid tea form and strong fragrance from lateral shoots

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; apply rose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks; increase watering if blooming heavily; continue tying in new growth to support structure

Mature Flowering

Established growth, years 2-3 onward

Well-established vine with abundant canes fully covering support structure, producing multiple flushes of large crimson blooms

Prune only after bloom cycle to maintain shape and remove dead/diseased wood; fertilize regularly during growing season; thin out crowded canes for air circulation; address any pest or disease issues promptly

Dormancy

Late fall through early spring (3-4 months)

Canes harden off, foliage drops (deciduous), plant enters rest period

In zones 5-7, apply winter protection (mulch mound, burlap wrapping) before hard frost; prune dead canes in late winter after last hard frost; minimal watering; no fertilizing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint (Nepeta) Delphinium Salvia Foxglove Clematis Jasmine Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Stipa)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Fennel (allelopathic) Garlic and onions (compete for space, may attract different pests) Other high-demand vines that compete for nutrients and water

Common Pests

Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
Increase humidity and water foliage in morning; neem oil or miticide spray; remove heavily infested canes; maintain vigorous plant health
Hand-pick in early morning; pheromone traps placed away from rose; neem oil; encourage native predators
Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water); remove infected leaves
Remove infected leaves promptly; water only at soil level; improve air circulation; apply fungicide (chlorothalonil, sulfur) in cool, humid conditions; mulch to prevent spore splash
Remove affected flowers; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Uses

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Rose petals and rose water

Culinary

The petals of Etoile de Hollande can be used to make fragrant rose water, infused syrups, or candied decorations for desserts. Ensure the rose has not been treated with pesticides before culinary use. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Household

Etoile de Hollande's deep crimson blooms and strong fragrance make it a classic choice for floral arrangements, bridal bouquets, and cut-flower display. Its hybrid tea form and long stems are ideal for formal design work. [source]

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Dried flowers and potpourri

Craft

Petals dry beautifully and retain their rich color and fragrance, making them excellent for dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and herbal crafts. Hang blooms upside-down in a cool, dark place to dry. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Roses provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, particularly when grown without heavy pesticide use. The flowers and developing hips support biodiversity in the garden. [source]

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Rose hip tea and traditional medicine

Medicinal

Etoile de Hollande produces rose hips rich in vitamin C that can be harvested in fall for tea, jam, and medicinal preparations. Rose hips have been used traditionally to support immune function and digestive health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when blooms are fully open but petals still firm; cut long stems at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing 5-leaflet leaf; remove lower leaves to improve water absorption; place immediately in cool water with floral preservative; blooms last 5-7 days in a vase. For garden display, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Etoile de Hollande was first bred in 1919 in the Netherlands and was named to honor the rose breeding excellence of Holland, becoming one of the most celebrated red hybrid tea roses of the 20th century.
🌱 The climbing sport of Etoile de Hollande was discovered as a chance mutation on a bush rose, demonstrating how a single genetic change can transform a compact shrub into a vigorous 15-foot climbing vine.
🌱 The intense crimson-red color and strong fragrance of Etoile de Hollande come from high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments and volatile compounds like geraniol and damascenone, which gave it fame as a florist's rose.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch

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