El Capitan Rose
Exploring the Majestic Beauty of El Capitan Rose: A Flourishing Symphony of Elegance
Dive into the enchanting realm of the El Capitan rose, a floral masterpiece that has graced gardens with its timeless beauty and undeniable charm. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the captivating attributes of the El Capitan rose, a true testament to the artistry of nature.
Specifications:
Variety Name: El Capitan
Patented Name: El Capitan
Group: Modern Garden Roses
Class: Floribunda, Grandiflora Roses
Hybrid: Charlotte Armstrong × Floradora
Producer/Hybridizer: Herbert C. Swim, USA
Year of Creation: 1956
Form: Upright bush
Height: 150 cm
Uses:Garden beds, mixed borders, individual and group plantings, cut flowers
Flowering: Waves throughout the season
Fragrance: Weak
Color: Cherry-red
Flower Diameter: 9–11 cm
Flower: Double (30 petals)
Leaf Size and Color: Glossy, dark green
Disease Resistance: Good
USDA Zones: 6-9
Awards: 1959: Gold Medal – Portland (USA)
A Floral Symphony:
“El Capitan” emerges as a Grandiflora rose variety adorned with lavish, fully-double cherry-red blooms that transform into a vibrant shade of red as they unfurl. These classically shaped flowers, with their elevated centers, are clustered in delicate clusters and exude a gentle fragrance. Standing tall at up to 150 cm, the vigorous, upright bush boasts reddish stems adorned with a limited number of thorns. Its glossy, dark green foliage adds to its allure.
Versatile Elegance El Capitan Rose:
The elongated stems of El Capitan’s blooms make them perfect for cut flower arrangements, where they maintain their beauty for an extended period. This red dynamo of a rose exhibits vigorous growth and easily meets exhibition standards. Its vivid and joyful color exudes a pure, lively red that remains unaffected by any tinges of blue or pink.
A Comparison of Roses:
Drawing inspiration from an excerpt in the “Annual of Australian and New Zealand Roses” (1968), let’s explore a comparison between “El Capitan” and “Super Star” roses: “In 1959, a rose named ‘El Capitan’ was quietly introduced to Australia. A year later, ‘Super Star’ became available here and was declared the rose of the century, adorned with countless superlatives. I grow these varieties for cutting, and I can offer an interesting comparison. Undoubtedly, ‘Super Star’ is my favorite rose in the garden. It is all that has ever been said about it and much more. No one ever told us that it’s almost impossible to keep it free from fungal diseases and that it has an unsightly sprawling growth habit, adorned with as many ‘super’ sharp thorns as its stems can hold…”
A Blossoming Triumph:
Unlike ‘Super Star,’ El Capitan unfurls its blooms early, about three to four weeks before its counterpart. Its flowering journey begins in the early spring, gracing the garden with an abundance of vibrant blossoms that continue to flourish until late autumn. The rose’s long stems, nearly devoid of thorns, testify to its beautiful, upright growth pattern. The lush, glossy dark green leaves represent a resilient and thriving plant.
El Capitan rose is a testament to roses’ timeless beauty and enduring appeal. With its exquisite blooms, vibrant color, and robust growth, it continues to captivate rose enthusiasts and gardeners alike, adding a touch of elegance and grace to any outdoor space.
