Roses are some of the most popular garden flowers. They are a staple in cottage gardens whether grown for their beauty or scent. When you think of roses you probably imagine a bush rose. But some roses are climbers. Imagine seeing the beauty of a rose growing twenty feet up a tree. There are also miniature climbers that are suitable for all sorts of garden. Growing climbing roses is worth considering no matter what size your plot.
If you are choosing a climbing rose then you need to think about your own particular garden. Some roses will only tolerate a little sunshine and you won’t get great blooms if they are blasted by hot sun all day. Others will tolerate most conditions from partial shade to sunny spots.
Roses will give the best results if they are properly pruned. This will keep the plant healthy and vigorous. The height your climbing rose will reach depends on the climate. bear in mind once it grows high you will find it difficult to access the top of the plant. You may decide to prune it and shape it to keep it within reach. Climbing roses need plenty of room to spread to get the best display.
Climbing roses vs ramblers
There are actually two types of climbing roses to consider. A true climber and a rambler are different types of rose plants. Climbers need to be tied to a structure to maintain stability because they are heavier than ramblers. Rambling roses are lighter and tend to be more flexible. They are happy winding their way up shrubs or can be trained to readily grow over obelisks or climbing frames.
How to grow climbing roses
As with many flowers to get the best results you need to consider the best time to plant your rose. One of the best times to plant a climber is towards the end of the year but at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost. Alternatively you can plant in the spring, as long as the weather is cool but not frosty, you should be fine.
If you are buying from a nursery you have the choice of buying a plant that has been raised in a pot and is already showing good growth and ready to plant. Alternatively you can buy bare rooted roses. If choose a bare rooted rose you are better planting in the fall than waiting until spring.
Roses are not the easiest plants to propagate but if you are going to try, you can start the plant indoors or in a glasshouse and then move it to your garden.
All climbing roses need something for the rose to climb up. If you plant at the base of a tree or shrub then you can use that as a natural support. You may not have a handy tree but if you are supplying an artificial support for a climbing rose then you have many choices. If you are going for a DIY option then you could build a teepee of wooden poles. You may need to supply wire or string to give the plant places to attach to as it makes its way up the poles.
If you are going to buy a solution then a trellis or obelisk is easy to find online or at your local garden store or nursery. You can choose from many options in either wood, metal or plastic to suit your taste and budget.
Roses add interest and romance
There have been numerous quotes and poems about roses. Perhaps it is the beauty of roses, perhaps it is the scent of some. For whatever reason when you think about roses you probably think of romance. From a single red rose to a dozen red roses they conjure up romantic gestures. There are roses to suit all gardens and growing climbing roses is one more option.
Whatever variety you pick, adding a climbing rose to your garden can give added interest to your garden. You will find that having flowers at different levels in a garden creates more interest. This is because your eye is attracted to different areas. Growing climbing roses is definitely worth considering in your flower garden.
