Climbing roses bring vertical elegance to any garden, transforming walls, fences, and trellises into vibrant displays of blooms. With so many varieties available, selecting the right one for your space can be a rewarding challenge. In a recent video, Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm explores some of the most popular climbing roses, offering tips to help gardeners make the best choice for their needs.
Key Considerations for Climbing Roses
Before diving into specific varieties, it’s essential to understand what makes climbing roses unique. Unlike true vines, climbing roses don’t grip or attach themselves to structures. Instead, they produce long, flexible canes that require support and training. Whether you’re aiming for a trellis, an arch, or a sprawling fence, knowing your space and desired growth habit is the first step in choosing the right rose.
Top Climbing Rose Varieties
Jason highlights several standout climbing roses, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for different garden settings:
- New Dawn
- One of the most widely grown modern climbers, New Dawn features delicate pink blooms and a strong, reblooming habit. Its vigorous growth and disease resistance make it a favorite for arches and fences.
- Eden Rose (Pierre de Ronsard)
- With its romantic, cupped blooms in soft pink and cream, Eden Rose adds a classic charm to any garden. Though slower to establish, it rewards patience with breathtaking flowers perfect for vertical displays.
- Zephirine Drouhin
- Known for its thornless canes and vibrant magenta-pink blooms, Zephirine Drouhin is an excellent choice for areas with heavy foot traffic. Its strong fragrance and shade tolerance add to its appeal.
- Golden Showers
- A standout for sunny spaces, Golden Showers produces bright yellow blooms that lighten to cream as they age. Its ability to rebloom and tolerate heat makes it a versatile option for many climates.
- Iceberg Climber
- A climbing variant of the popular Iceberg shrub rose, this variety produces clusters of pure white flowers with a light fragrance. It’s ideal for creating a crisp, elegant display and works well in smaller spaces.
- Cécile Brünner
- Often called the “Sweetheart Rose,” Cécile Brünner features charming pink blooms in a compact, delicate form. Its soft fragrance and prolific blooming habit make it perfect for smaller trellises or obelisks.
- Don Juan
- Known for its deep red, velvety blooms and sweet fragrance, Don Juan is a striking choice for romantic garden settings. This climber thrives in full sun and offers repeat blooms through the season.
- Lady of Shalott
- A favorite from David Austin Roses, Lady of Shalott combines rich apricot-orange blooms with a graceful growth habit. It’s hardy, disease-resistant, and a strong repeat bloomer, perfect for adding warm tones to the garden.
Tips for Success with Climbing Roses
- Choose the Right Structure: Ensure your climbing rose has adequate support. Trellises, obelisks, or even sturdy fences work well.
- Training and Pruning: Guide canes horizontally along the structure to encourage more blooms. Regular pruning keeps the plant healthy and manageable.
- Location Matters: Most climbing roses thrive in full sun with well-draining soil. However, varieties like Zephirine Drouhin can tolerate partial shade.
Conclusion
Climbing roses offer endless possibilities for creating vertical interest in your garden. By understanding your space and the unique traits of each variety, you can select a climber that will thrive and bring joy for years to come.
