A historic raspberry-red rambler — the red 'Dorothy Perkins'.
Synonym Red Dorothy Perkins
One flush, profuse, lasting several weeks from late spring into summer. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
Blooms profusely once (late spring–summer); does NOT repeat
USDA zone 5. To ≈ −29 °C; winter-hardy, reliable in Ukraine. Down to ≈ −29 °C · winter-hardy, reliable in Ukraine.
Compare reference temperatures
Very light / almost absent.
Prone to powdery mildew — a known weakness; plant it in an airy spot.
Flowers also in light shade.
The canes are thorny.
Small, glossy, dark green.
Cherry crimson-red, fading to scarlet-red
Flammentanzbright red
Super Dorothydeep pink
Dortmundred with a white centre
Schneewalzersnow-white · contrastRed climbers and ramblers share one rich colour range for large vertical compositions.
Clematis and blue perennials are classic partners for ramblers on an arch or wall:
For contrast beside crimson Excelsa, try white or blue accents:
Where to plant. Large arches, pergolas, fences, blank walls, weeping standards; a historic variety for romantic cascades.
Climate. Winter-hardy (USDA 5, to ≈ −29 °C) — overwinters reliably in Ukraine.
Care. Its main weakness is powdery mildew — plant it in an open, airy spot and use fungicide prevention as needed. Pruning — after flowering (it flowers on last year's shoots).
Name. 'Excelsa' (Latin for 'high, lofty'). Because of its resemblance to the famous pink 'Dorothy Perkins', it is also known as Red Dorothy Perkins.
Breeding. Bred by Michael Walsh (USA), 1909; Rosa wichuraiana × 'Crimson Rambler'. In its time it displaced 'Crimson Rambler' as the leading red rambler. Do not confuse: the modern Super Excelsa (Hetzel, 1986) is a DIFFERENT, repeat-flowering and more resistant version; Walsh's historic 'Excelsa' flowers only once.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −29 °C (USDA zone 5). Overwintering depends on the conditions. To ≈ −29 °C; winter-hardy, reliable in Ukraine.
One flush, profuse, lasting several weeks from late spring into summer.
300–600 cm tall, about 300 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 2 out of 5. Prone to powdery mildew — needs prevention and good air circulation.
Sun + partial shade; flowers also in light shade.
Very light / almost absent.
