Rose Long John Silver

'Long John Silver' is a spectacular, tall white climbing rose capable of reaching 6 meters (19.7 ft) or more, forming an impressive living wall of radiant-white blooms. Distinguished by its exceptional vigor and massive growth, it is one of the most powerful white climbers available, ideal for gardeners with ample space who seek a dramatic architectural accent. The plant produces lush, densely double flowers in large clusters, creating a striking visual display complemented by a fragrance reminiscent of gardenias and myrrh, adding depth and elegance to the garden.

The flowers vary from 6 - 8 cm (2.4 - 3.1 in) to 10 - 11 cm (3.9 - 4.3 in) in diameter, depending on bloom abundance and cluster density. They are full, with up to 40 - 50 petals, cup-shaped, and of a pure white to silvery-white tone. The fragrance is moderate, delicate, and sweet. The blooms open from rounded buds in clusters of 3 - 15 flowers on short peduncles. Clusters often appear dense, as the flowers are long-lasting, highly resistant to rain, and do not shatter easily.

Flowering occurs late once, usually in June, and lasts up to three weeks. Under favorable conditions - with enhanced feeding, sufficient watering, and good growing circumstances - occasional repeat flowering may occur.

The plants of this rose are upright and extremely spreading, with a diameter of 300 cm (9.8 ft) or more. Growth is vigorous and difficult to restrain, quickly reaching 5 - 6 m (16.4 - 19.7 ft) or higher. With time, the lower part of the plant may become bare. The canes of this rose are long, thick, and heavily prickled, making them somewhat difficult to train, though their strength allows them to cling securely to supports. The plant climbs naturally and may also twine through tree branches, reaching 600 - 800 cm (19.7 - 26.2 ft) in height.

The foliage is one of its distinctive features: very large, leathery, convex, rounded leaves, bright green and dense, giving the plant a bold and characteristic appearance.

This variety is highly versatile in landscape use. It is suitable for decorating large walls, fences, pergolas, gazebos, arches, facades, and other vertical structures. It tolerates dappled shade, performs well in heat, and shows good resistance to diseases. The flowers are also suitable for cutting, particularly for wedding arrangements.

Hardiness is exceptional, the rose variety 'Long John Silver' suitable for growing in climates similar to USDA Zones 2b - 8b. It is extremely frost-resistant, vigorous, and shade-tolerant.

'Long John Silver' combines monumental strength with refined elegance: powerful, dense green growth crowned with snow-white, richly double flowers of delicate fragrance. Few climbing roses match its scale and presence.

The rose is named after Long John Silver, the famous pirate and central antihero of the 1883 novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

'Long John Silver' is also recognized as one of the most famous and finest hybrids of Rosa setigera (Prairie Rose).

Seedling of Rosa setigera Michaux × 'Sunburst' (Hybrid Tea, Pernet-Ducher, 1904/11).

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