Growing Climbing Roses And Rambling Roses



You will be rewarded with plenty of colorful blossoms by growing climbing roses in the garden

Growing Climbers

Climbing roses have a number of uses in the garden. They are suitable for growing against pillars and pergolas, or you could allow them with a minimum of pruning to produce a huge fountain of flowers.

Some vigorous varieties can even grow into a tree to help old trees shine like new.

Make sure to read my Guide to Growing Roses for Beginners before you start growing climbing roses. These basics guidelines will ensure your roses will be established in the best possible way.

Growing Climbing Roses On Garden Structures

Although you can grow Climbers and Ramblers on nearly every structure, it is an advantage to know where roses feel good to show their best.

Where to grow Climbing Roses...

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Further Information

Arbors

When I think about climbing roses, an arbor as a classic element in romantic rose gardens is first what comes into my mind.

I like the idea of walking through an arbor full of beautiful blossoms.

Choosing an arbor, you need to think about…

  • The arbor must be robust enough to support the weight of the roses in full bloom
  • The arbor should be wide enough for a lawn mower, garden cart or tractor
  • He should be high enough to allow a passage without getting hurt from thorns
  • How to fix the arbor to the ground

Pergolas, Carports

If you have less space, you can install a pergola. It will serve as a room divider; a terrace will be transformed into a room with a bowery atmosphere.

Even a carport, covered by a climbing rose, becomes a blossoming home for the family car.

Pay attention to the same things I recommended for arbors.

Good Roses for Arbors and Pergolas

Graham Thomas, Luis Rambler, New Dawn, Paul Jerabek, Super Dorothy, Snow Goose, Golden Showers, Aloha, America, Don Juan, Dublin Bay, New Dawn, Eden

Arches

A garden arch is basically the same as an arbor, but with a seat or bench. A place to sit and relax, a retreat where you can enjoy your garden.

I recommend avoiding vigorous roses with too many thorns. It is annoying to do a lot of maintenance work when you want to sit and relax.

Consider planting fragrant roses along with other scented flowers like Jasmine and Lilies.

Roses for Arches

Goldfinch, Veilchenblau, Compassion or some vigorous English roses such as Compassion and Shropshire Lad would be a good choice

Trellises

When you want to grow roses to cover a wall of a house, garage or other structures, trellises affixed to them will help the Climbers or Ramblers to find their way upward.

Consider the following:

  • Plants grown to a building will need more water
  • Plant the flowers at least 2 feet away from the structure
  • Choose a variety that will flower in a shady environment 
  • Choose a suitable color for the roses

It is the rose that should show off her beauty and not the trellis, so do not choose a brightly colored climbing aid. Think about that a white climber cannot show her beauty against a white wall.

Trellises installed freestanding in the garden will put your roses truly on display. The plants will be less prone to diseases than those fastened against a wall.

Good Roses for Trellises

Aloha, Alchymist, Blaze, Freisinger Morgenröte, New Dawn, Don Juan, Iceberg Climbing, Golden Gate, High Hopes, Paul Jerabek, Red Fountain

Pillars, Obelisks and Tripods

The simplest support for Climbers is a pillar or a post. Choose short climbing varieties with upright stems. They look good along paths and rising from mixed flowerbeds.

Wind the shoots around an at least 8 feet long post in a spiral fashion. As they grow, continue training them while they are flexible. Tie them using flexible ties.

If you train them upright, blooms will only appear at the top of the canes; the bottom parts will be naked.

Rampant climbers do not fit that kind of structures because they are too large and are not easy to trim.

Roses for Pillars, Posts, Obelisks and Tripods

Don Juan, Golden Showers, Gertrude Jekyll, Chevy Chase, Compassion, Jeanne Lajoie, Altissimo

Growing Climbing Roses Into Trees

I like the thought of growing climbing roses into trees. A strong, mature tree can be given a new dimension and a totally new appearance.

Some things have to be considered:

  • Match the vigor of the rose to the tree
  • The color of the rose should correspond to the foliage of the tree
  • Plant them at least 35-40 inches away from the trunk
  • Lean the stem into the trunk
  • Tie it with flexible ties

Roses for large trees would be the Bobbie James, Rambling Rector or Louis Rambler.

For smaller trees like old apple trees American Pillar, Crimson Shower or Wedding Day would be a good choice.

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