Plant of Merit: Rosa ‘Purple Splash,’ wine-colored climbing rose

Published 1:30 am Saturday, September 30, 2017

What: Rosa “Purple Splash” provides the garden with more than just its interesting wine-colored blooms, but also produces flowers that are veined and splashed with white. Additionally, the 4-inch blooms grow in clusters, creating the bouquet-on-a-stem effect. Gardeners who have grown the “Fourth of July” rose will not be surprised to learn that “Purple Splash” is a distant cousin. Its fragrance is mild and it is almost thornless.

Sun/shade: This climbing rose thrives in full sun.

Size: As a climber, it matures at 10 feet tall.

See it: At the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett. Or take a virtual tour at www.evergreenarboretum.com.

— Sandra Schumacher