Rosa Purple Splash Climbing Rose

Rosa Purple Splash, sometimes called Rosa Oh Wow, is a striking climbing rose with dramatic two-tone purple and white blooms. Awarded the Perfect for Pollinators designation, this variety is not only visually captivating but also supports bees and other beneficial insects. Its vigorous growth and floriferous nature make it a standout choice for trellises, pergolas, and garden archways.

This climbing rose produces abundant, single to semi-double blooms in rich purple shades with contrasting white streaks, creating a vibrant splash of colour throughout summer. The flowers are lightly scented and appear repeatedly over the season, attracting pollinators and adding a lively element to garden spaces. Glossy, dark green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the colourful flowers and remains healthy with minimal maintenance.

Origins and Comparison: Rosa Purple Splash is a modern hybrid rose, developed for its striking colouration and climbing habit. Compared to other climbing varieties such as Rosa Snow Princess, which produces pure white flowers in clusters, and Rosa Barock, known for its deep purple, fully double blooms, Purple Splash stands out with its bold purple-and-white striped petals and single flower form. Its combination of colour, repeat flowering, and pollinator-friendly flowers makes it an eye-catching choice for vertical garden features.

History & Cultural Significance: This cultivar represents the ongoing innovation in modern rose breeding, combining aesthetic appeal with ecological benefits. Roses have long been symbols of love and celebration in European gardens, and Rosa Purple Splash continues this tradition with a contemporary twist that delights gardeners and pollinators alike.

Pair Rosa Purple Splash with other climbers such as clematis or climbing hydrangeas to create layered vertical displays. Its vibrant purple and white flowers contrast nicely with silver or grey foliage plants like lavender or artemisia, while low-growing perennials such as salvia, geraniums, or nepeta can complement the base for continuous seasonal interest. Flowering from early summer through late autumn, it provides both visual appeal and a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season.

Height and Width of Rose Purple Splash:

Rosa Purple Splash is a vigorous climber that can reach 2.5 to 3.5 metres in height with a spread of 1.5 to 2 metres when trained along supports. Its climbing habit allows it to cover walls, fences, or garden structures, providing vertical interest and a cascade of colour.

How Hardy is Rosa Purple Splash?

This rose is hardy throughout most of the UK, tolerating cold winters and wet summers. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, producing more blooms in sunnier positions. Regular watering and well-drained soil will ensure optimal growth and flowering.

Uses in Garden and Landscape:

Perfect for vertical planting schemes, Rosa Purple Splash can transform trellises, pergolas, arches, and fences into stunning displays. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators, supporting wildlife while enhancing the garden visually. It also works well in mixed borders or combined with climbing clematis for seasonal layering of colour.

Care Tips

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun for best flowering. Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or crossing branches. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feeding with a balanced rose fertiliser in spring and mid-summer will promote repeated blooms. Regular inspection for common pests and diseases will help maintain healthy foliage and flowers.