Climbing Rose Bushes – Tips for Growing Climbing Roses
By Charlie Kaler
Climbing rose bushes are sometimes overlooked but in my opinion no rose garden is complete without them! Growing climbing roses does require a little knowledge as they have some distinct differences from other rose species, but the effort is well rewarded.
Climbing rose bushes are also known as ramblers, pillars, ever-blooming roses, and trailing roses. They do not grow support structures of their own to grab hold of surfaces, and are not considered true vines. But they are wonderful ornamental plants which are ideal for completing any fence, archway or other structure around or within a garden.
Locations for Climbing Rose Bushes
Growing climbing roses takes a little extra effort as they don’t have the ability to adhere to structures as a vine does, so they need to be ‘trained’. The grower needs to wind the climber around or through a structure or loosely attach it another way. Structures commonly used for growing climbing roses on are:
- Fences
- Arbors
- Trellis’
- Pillars
- Sheds
- Walls
- Other suitable large solid structures
Climbing rose bushes can be trained to grow laterally (sideways) or vertically (up) depending on what they are attached to by their grower. Lateral climbing roses will tend to produce more blooms, while vertical climbers will tend to grow small spurs on their main stem which will assist in holding their weight upright and will also produce blooms.
Choosing Your Climbing Rose Bush
Another consideration to make is matching the species of climbing rose with the location you intend for it. Some climbing roses can grow to 7 feet in height, while others can grow to 30 feet in height. Make sure the structure you attach it to can support its growth so you get the most out of it.
Of course the height your plant grows to will also depend on your climate. To be successful in growing climbing roses they should get around 6-7 hours of direct sunlight per day. There are species that can do well in shadier areas but even they ideally need 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Also take note that different climbing roses have different blooming patterns. Some are ‘ever-bloomers’ which bloom right through the growing season, while others are spring bloomers and only bloom in spring.
Pruning Your Climbing Rose Bushes
One of the biggest differences between most types of roses and climbing rose bushes, is that the climbers need little pruning. They need no pruning at all in the first two years. And while most roses need regular pruning so they will bloom more, the opposite is true of climbing roses. If they were pruned each year as you would do with most roses, they would actually produce fewer blooms. Owners can get by with pruning them every 3-4 years.
At pruning time, the method is also different. It basically consists of removing older, less vigorous or small canes near the base of the plant. Young vigorous canes should be encouraged to grow long and flexible.
Growing climbing roses requires patience. They do take a little time to establish and start blooming, but when they do the fragrance and beauty they give is a valuable addition to the garden and very rewarding for the grower.
