Rose Céline Forestier

One of the finest among the old yellow climbing roses. Although this rose requires some additional attention, it is all worth the effort since it will rarely be seen without flowers. The flowers are of the finest primrose yellow color, with deeper shading of yellow closer to the center. It has a rich tea rose fragrance. This small climber is the perfect choice for a warm wall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING
The rose variety ‘Céline Forestier’ has very good repeating flowering, blooms in flushes, from summer until frosts. Seldomly is seen without a flower.

Flower bud:
The flower bud has elongated ovoid shape. The colour of the bud as the sepals first unfold is yellow with intonations of green and occasional red flecks. When ¼ open, the upper surface of petals is yellow closer to the base fading to a light yellow closer to the edges. The flower buds are borne solitary or in a small clusters of several together, generally 3 to 5 flower buds per stem.

The sepals are rather short and broad. There are 3 lightly appendaged sepals and 2 unappendaged sepals with hairy edges. The surface texture of the sepals is pubescent, covered in fine white hairs on the inner surface; the outer surface it is smooth. The colour of the upper surface and of the lower surface is medium green with purple red intonations.

The surface of the receptacle is smooth, has funnel shaped and has medium green colour, often with purple red intonation.

Bloom:

The flowers are large, the diameter of the open flower is about 9 cm (3.5"). Upon opening flowers are cupped, quickly fully open to a flat quartered rosette with a button-eye, represents Old rose excellence. They are very full, the number of petals per flower is about 120 under normal growing conditions.

The colour of the flower upon opening is primrose yellow with deeper shadings closer to the center, sometimes tinged pink. As the flower ages the colour becomes much lighter, soft yellow, almost white closer to the edges.

The petals drop of cleanly before drying.

Petals:

Fragrance:
The fragrance of ‘Céline Forestier’ is rich, with prominent Tea rose character.

PLANT
This rose forms small to medium sized climber. The growth type is moderately vigorous, not in any way coarse. The mature and well-established plant reaches the height of about 180 cm in colder climates and can reach about 300 cm in warmer, the spread of about 80 to 120 cm.

Makes an excellent free-flowering small climber. Suitable for growing against warm southern walls and fences.

Foliage:
The quantity of foliage on a plant is profuse. The leaves are attractive, medium green with yellowish shades, when young the foliage has reddish brown shades The number of leaflets on a normal mid stem leaf is 5. The texture is smooth and lathery with a glossy appearance. The edges are serrated, the type of serration is large and single.

Disease resistance:
The variety is susceptible to black spot and mildew. The resistance to rust and botrytis is good. Pest resistance has not been tested.

The variety is recommended for growing in climate zones similar to USDA 7 and warmer and requires winter protection in more colder climates. It is also recommended to protect this variety from exposure to strong winds, therefore a spot under the wall or brick fence will be perfect for this variety.

Unfortunately we do not have information about the origin of the name of this rose.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY
The parentage of this rose is unknown.

USDA zone 7 and warmer