The Felix Leclerc Rose, A Hardy Canadian Rose

About The Felix Leclerc Rose

As usual, I am prowling through the garden centers on the lookout for something new...different. Indeed I found it! The Felix Leclerc Rose. So named after the well known Quebec singer, songwriter and poet.

This climber (which I did not know at the time of purchase) is a selection of the new Canadian Artists Series. The other selection is an amazing red shrub rose, the Emily Carr.

Developed by the same growers as the Parkland and Explorer Series, this climber is as hardy as they get. I am told that once this rose is established, meaning that it has been in the ground for a length of time and given adequate water, it is drought tolerant.

It is also nice to know that this climbing rose will not take over the trellis in a rambling way, the trellis will be covered in multiple clusters of the vivid blooms. As quoted from the tag, it is a very well behaved climber.

As seen in the above image from my garden, the colouring is outstanding. A vibrant pink. This climber blooms from early summer right until frost.

How To Grow The Felix Leclerc

Like all container grown roses, you need only to plant this rose at the same level as grown in the container. When planting make sure to choose a spot that will receive at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight a day and will not become water logged. Roses require good drainage.

The old addage of feed the soil and not the plant applies here. Do not feed your roses in the first year. Feeding in the first year allows the rose to shoot up too quickly, not giving the stems enough time to become thick and sturdy.

Of course when planting, remember to add a handful of bonemeal prior to setting the rose in the hole and adding some compost is a good idea. Well prepared soil is the key to healthy plants.

In my zone 3, I can expect the Felix Leclerc Rose to grow approximately 3ft to 6ft in length. In a warmer climate like zone 5 or 6, the Felix will grow 7ft to 8ft in length. The width remains the same for any zone, which is spreading 3ft to 5ft.

In the past, I have pruned my roses in the fall. I do this because my roses seem to grow quickly and can grow unruly. Ergo, I need to tame them back into some form and shape. Many gardeners prefer prunning in the spring, which makes sense since in the spring you can see which canes are either dead or damaged.

When prunning, cut back to the green and cut at an angle to the closest out facing bud. During the summer months remember to remove the spent blooms. This encourages constant regenerating of buds. Stop the deadheading toward the end of August, early September (if in a zone 3/4). This will allow the rose hips to form and the plant will wind itself down.

Some great companion plants for the Felix Leclerc Rose are varieties of Daylilies or the Becky Daisy or the Nelia Argyranthemum or Felicia Daisy.

For undergrowth planting, why not try the Campanula White or Blue Clips.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Felix Leclerc Rose Features

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