When it comes to adding romance, drama, and vertical beauty to a garden, climbing roses are a timeless choice. With their arching canes and generous blooms, they bring old-world charm to fences, trellises, arbors, and walls. But while their impact is grand, growing climbing roses is surprisingly manageable—even for gardeners who are new to roses.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes climbing roses special, how to choose the right variety, and the best practices for planting, training, and maintaining them so they flourish for years to come.
What Are Climbing Roses?
Climbing roses are not a distinct botanical group but rather a category of rose plants with long, flexible canes that can be trained to grow vertically. Unlike true vines (like clematis or morning glories), climbing roses don’t naturally twine or cling. Instead, they need support and guidance to “climb” using structures like trellises, obelisks, pergolas, and walls.
There are two main types:
- Large-flowered climbers, which tend to bloom in flushes throughout the season
- Ramblers, which produce a profusion of smaller flowers, usually once per year, and are often more vigorous
Why Gardeners Love Climbing Roses
Climbing roses bring a unique design element to gardens. They can:
- Soften the hard lines of fences and buildings
- Create living “walls” or privacy screens
- Frame entryways and windows with lush, fragrant blooms
- Add vertical interest in small gardens where space is limited
Many varieties are fragrant and come in a range of colors—from classic reds and romantic pinks to creamy whites and even yellows and apricots.
Choosing the Right Climbing Rose
When selecting a climbing rose, consider the following:
- Bloom Time:
Some climbing roses bloom once a year (typically in early summer), while others are repeat bloomersthat flower throughout the season. If you want consistent color, go for repeat-flowering varieties like ‘Tropical Lightning’ ‘New Dawn,’ or ‘Blaze.’ - Growth Habit:
Check the mature height and width. Some climbers can reach 15 feet or more, while others are better suited to compact spaces. Ramblers tend to be more vigorous and may need more room to spread. - Climate Tolerance:
Choose varieties suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone. Some, like ‘William Baffin,’ are extremely cold-hardy, while others prefer milder climates. - Disease Resistance:
Look for roses labeled as resistant to common problems like black spot or powdery mildew—especially important for warm, humid areas.
Planting Climbing Roses
Plant your climbing rose in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily), in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Planting Tips:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for airflow.
- Position the rose about 12 inches away from its support structure to encourage airflow and ease of training.
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) during the establishment period.
Training and Supporting Climbing Roses
Because climbing roses don’t cling, they need to be tied or woven through their support as they grow.
Key Tips:
- Use soft plant ties or green vinyl stretch tie to secure canes loosely to structures.
- Train laterals (side shoots) horizontally—this encourages more flowering rather than just height.
- Start training when the plant is young and flexible for best results.
Popular supports include:
- Trellises and obelisks
- Arches and pergolas
- Fences and arbors
- Masonry walls (use rose training wires or wall anchors)
Pruning Climbing Roses
Regular pruning keeps climbing roses healthy and blooming.
Basic Guidelines:
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing canes.
- For repeat bloomers, prune spent flowers throughout the season to encourage new buds.
- Keep older, woody canes if they’re productive, but consider removing one or two every few years to make room for younger canes.
Ramblers that bloom once a year should be pruned right after flowering in mid- to late summer.
Fertilizing and Feeding
Feed climbing roses with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth appears. Reapply mid-season to encourage repeat blooming. Supplementing with compost or fish emulsion can improve soil health and boost blooms.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Black spot or mildew? Improve air circulation and choose resistant varieties.
- Lack of blooms? Check for too much nitrogen (which boosts leaves, not flowers) or prune more strategically.
- Sparse growth? Make sure it’s getting enough sun and water consistently.
Final Thoughts
Climbing roses add romance and vertical flair to almost any garden. With the right selection, support, and care, they’ll reward you year after year with cascading blooms and head-turning beauty. Whether you’re framing a garden gate or transforming a blank wall, climbing roses are the perfect way to elevate your garden—literally and visually.
