Climbing Roses

What is it about climbing roses that give us such a feeling of well-being; that make us calm, nostalgic, romantic or happy? Perhaps it is their perfect form or sensational fragrance. Whatever it is, these roses seem to 'do it' for many of us.

They are a wonderful addition to many garden structures. Some are breathtaking in their beauty and fragrance and will give you pleasure each and every year.

Whether you have a newly built, or existing, garden structure, such as a pergola, arbour, arch, garden wall, house wall or even a fence, climbing roses will add interest, height and beauty.

Have fun choosing and planting your climbing roses - they will reward you tenfold with a fantasic display!

Choosing Climbing Plants

My favourites are pinks of varying shades, white and purples. For instance, a pink rose with a purple clematis and white solanum. Or a white rose with a pink clematis and purple solanum.

You may prefer a more bold approach - for instance a bright orange rose with a purple solanum. (Contrasting/complimentary colours) Whatever lights your fire!

Make sure that, if you choose particular climbing plants to group together, they actually do flower at the same time.

Do a little research into both climbing roses and other climbing plants by following the 'Crocus' link below. You can either link to 'Roses' or 'Climbers' from the 'Plants' section.

Either that, or go to 'Climbers' and choose which type you would like to view from the 'Type' drop down menu. This is a really good way to research plant information, as it shows suitability for different soil types, situation and plant features, with a filter for these attributes.

I also chose the this site for you to have a look at because it gives excellent advice on roses for different aspect, colour, soil, size, etc. and also gives great advice on planting, pruning and diseases.

It has the added advantage of having on-line ordering, so you can decide on what you like and buy it all in one fell swoop. Alternatively, choose which plants you would like, write a shopping list and take it to your local garden centre.

If you would like more guidance on your choice of rose, go to 'My Rose Recommendations' below.

Crocus - Plant Search

Climbing Rose Types

Firstly, there is the category usually termed as the 'Climbing Roses', which tend to be the larger flowering varieties in many colours and forms. These roses can vary in height and rate of growth. Many are repeat flowering. Check on the eventual height to make sure the variety will grow tall enough for your needs.

Climbing Roses

Rambler Roses

My Rose Recommendations

Pink:

'Aloha' - very good form and fragrance.
'Compassion' - with apricot blush/fragrant.

Bar Root or Potted?

• Potted roses are planted and rooted in pots. When taken out of the pot, the roots can be seen growing through the compost.
• Bare root roses are planted in the ground and sold without pot or compost. These roses are often much cheaper.
• Potted bare root roses are placed in pots for ease of handling in the nursery and distribution. When taken out of the pot, the compost will fall away, leaving the bare root.

It doesn't really matter which type you buy, but try to plan your planting between October and December, if at all possible, avoiding frosty spells. The plants are at their healthiest at this time. Bear root and potted bare root roses may be unavailable during the summer months and only come into stock again in October.

It may be that you just want to get on and plant your rose. If so, make sure your rose is really healthy when you buy it, and keep it well fed and watered, following the planting and care advice, below, carefully.

Planting and Care

• Choose a site that has a reasonable amount of sun each day, and where the roses are not competing with trees or hedges - the exception being rambler roses that do very well growing through trees.
• Soak the root ball for a good while before planting.
• Cut any long roots to about 10" and cut stems to about 6" from the base, leaving healthy, outward facing buds.
• Don't plant where another rose has grown.
• Dig a good size hole. Mix in some well-rotted manure(can be bought in bags from garden centres) and a general or rose fertilizer.
• Plant the stem base 3" below ground level to encourage shooting.
• Roses like a cool root run, and moisture. Mulch in the spring with well-rotted manure or compost and feed well. The healthier the plant, the more resistant to disease it will be.
• Prune to give maximum blooms, and be aware of disease, treating promptly.(See below)

Pruning Roses.

The first is a 'How to' article by Crocus on month-by-month pruning.

The second is an excellent 'Pruning and Training' book by the Royal Horticultural Society, with very clear diagrams, instructions and pictures, covering all types of plants. It's a real gem of a book that will help both novices and more experienced gardeners. Take a look and hopefully you'll never look back.

How to prune

RHS - Pruning and Training

Pests and Diseases

Don't worry. There are things you can do to prevent and treat these most common of complaints. Check out the following article: Pests and Diseases