Climbing Roses are generally mutations or sports of normal bush roses (Hybrid Tea and Floribunda Types) though are sometimes specifically bred.
Climbing roses are better for growing against a wall than Ramblers. They are less likely to suffer from mildew because of the poor air circulation. Climbers can also be grown against a fence or through a trellis.
If grown against a wall, then train along galvanised fence wire strung between vine eye nail driven into the wall. The aim will be to get as many horizontal rose shoots as possible.
Climbers are often allowed to grow vertically - as is their normal habit. However, if grown in this way, then there are fewer shoots, resulting in fewer flowers.
It is far better to train the main stems of the climber in a horizontal manner along a fence or trellis. This will then result in many more shoots - growing horizontally - with resulting larger numbers of blooms.
Climbing Roses that are from Hybrid Tea or Floribunda parentage, rarely have the profuse flowering of their bush counterparts.
Climbing Roses differ from Ramblers in a few respects. A climbing rose will have five leaflets that make up the leaf, whereas a rambler normally has seven leaflets per leaf. Together with this, Climbing Roses generally have stems that are more rigid than rambling roses.
Climbing Roses are split into two basic groups, being 'once flowering' and 'repeat flowering'.
The Hybrid Tea types have larger typical classical rose type flowers, whilst the Floribundas have clusters of smaller flowers. Both type of Climbers have their merits. In many instances, the blooms of the HT types are much larger than their 'bush' counterparts. However, there is not often the repeat flowering characteristics of the parents in either of the Climbing forms.
Climbing Roses should not be pruned in the first two or three years, but instead trained to form horizontal laterals where this is possible - for the reasons outlined above.
Thereafter, with the 'once a year' flowering types, prune back right after flowering, for they normally flower on growths that were made the previous year. If you prune this type in the winter, you will probably be cutting off the next year's flowering growths!
The Perpetual flowering types can be pruned - if necessary - in the winter months. However, this type will flower for many years from laterals from the same mature canes. each winter, cut back the laterals to within 2 or three buds of the horizontal cane structure. If the flowering becomes weak, then winter pruning a few of the weaker canes out will allow for more vigorous growth.
Every rose grower or rose fanatic will have their own favourites. For our best 12 climbing roses, we list mainly older varieties that have stood the test of time.
Allgold Rosa Rose Flower
The Allgold is an English Rose was first cultivated in the 1956 by Edward Burton Le Grice. The Allgold Rosa Rose was made by cross cultivating roses 'Ellinor Le Grice' with the 'Floribunda rose Goldilocks'.
The Allgold rose produces lovely bright golden yellow Rose which blooms throughout the summer months. The wonderful 3.5" flower contains a spectacular 25 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
As a stand alone bush the Allgold Rose will grow to 2 feet tall, and it can be trained to grow up to 6 to 7 feet tall. It is not the highest of the climbing roses but the quality of the flowers and stunning colour puts it in the top 12.
The Allgold Rose loves growing in full sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Altissimo Roses Flower
The Altissimo red rose was first cultivated in the 1960's by Frenchman Georges Delbard and it was introduced in to Britian in 1966.
The Altissimo produces lovely deep Red Roses which blooms throughout the summer months. The 5" flower contains 7 flatish petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
The Altissimo will grow between 7 and 15 feet tall and can be trained to grow up about anything.
The Altissimo Rose is very hardy, zone 5, and is very happy growing in full sun and part shade alike.
Bantry Bay Rose Flower
The Bantry Bay is fantastic climbing rose, ideally grown in a sunny spot against trellis, pergolas, arches or maybe against a sunny wall. A wonderfull addition to any garden.
The Bantry Bay rose produces large pink Rose flowers which blooms throughout the summer months with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 6" flower contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
The Bantry Bay Rose will grow up to 16 foot tall with a 12 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything.
The Bantry Bay Rose loves growing in full sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Casino Roses Flower
The Climbing Casino Roses was first cultivated in 1963 by Irishman Samuel McGredy by combining climbing rose Coral Dawn with rose Buccaneer.
The Casino produces lovely soft yellow Roses which produces one strong bloom in early summer and sporadic and occasional blooms throughout the summer months. The wonderful 6" flower contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
The Casino will grow up to 16 foot tall with a 12 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything. Be mindful when planting as it will spread and loves to spread, ideally chose a nice sun facing wall.
The Casino Rose is very hardy, zone 6 to 9, but dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Danse Du Feu Rose Flower
The Danse Du Feu Rose was first cultivated by Mallerin in 1953 and is a fantastic climbing rose, ideally grown in a sunny spot against trellis, pergolas, arches or maybe against a sunny wall. A wonderfull addition to any garden.
The Danse Du Feu rose produces slightly smaller than other varieties, vibrant Red Rose flowers which blooms throughout the summer months with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 5" flower contains a spectacular array of 25 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
The Danse Du Feu Rose will grow up to 12 foot tall with a 8 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything, ideally trellis, pergolas or arches.
The Danse Du Feu Rose is very hardy, zone 5, loves growing in full sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Ena Harkness Roses Flower
The Climbing Ena Harkness Roses was first cultivated in the 1950's by Albert Norman for Harkness Roses (the trading name of R. Harkness and Co. Ltd) and for a time the 'Ena Harkness' was the most popular red hybrid tea rose in the world.
The Ena Harkness produces lovely bright Red Velvet Roses which blooms throughout the summer months with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 6" flower contains a spectacular array of 35 bulb shaped petals and produces a strong apple scented fragrance.
The Ena Harkness will grow up to 12 foot tall with a 10 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything. Be mindful when planting as it will spread and loves to spread, ideally chose a nice sun facing wall.
The Ena Harkness Rose is very hardy, zone 4, but dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Golden Showers Rose Flower
The Golden Showers Rose was first cultivated by American Dr Walter Lammerts in 1956 who crossed the Charlotte Armstrong rose with the climbing Captain Thomas rose. Golden Showers Rose is a fantastic hardy climbing rose which is a great repeat bloomer, with careful pruning the Golden Shower will repeat throughout the year. A wonderfull addition to any garden.
The Golden Showers rose produces vibrant Golden Yellow Rose flowers with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 6" flower contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance which can be described as a licorice fragrance.
The Golden Showers Rose will grow up to 14 foot tall with a 6 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything, ideally trellis, pergolas or arches.
The Golden Showers Rose is very hardy, zones 2 to 10, loves growing in full sun, prefers facing morning sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Handel Roses Flower
The Climbing Handel Roses was first cultivated from Ireland in 1965 by Samuel McGredy who crossed the Columbine rose with the climbing floribunda Heidelberg rose.
The Handel rose produces lovely White Velvet Roses with bright Pink edges, or could be described visa versa. The Handel Rose is a great repeat bloomer, with careful pruning the Rose will repeat throughout the year. The gorgeous pink rose has a 4" diameter flower which contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a subtle scented fragrance.
The Handel will grow up to 15 foot tall with a 7 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything. Be mindful when planting as it will spread and loves to spread, ideally chose a nice sun facing wall.
The Handel Rose is quite hardy, zones 6 to 9, but it is somewhat susceptible to the common rose disease blackspot and it dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Iceberg Rose Flower
The Iceberg Rose was first cultivated by German Reimer Kordes in 1958 who crossed the Roses Robin Hood and Virgo. Iceberg Rose is a fantastic hardy climbing rose and a popular garden rose which is not surprising. A wonderfull addition to any garden.
The Iceberg rose produces vibrant Golden Yellow Rose flowers with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 6" flower contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance which can be described as a licorice fragrance.
The Iceberg Rose will grow up to 14 foot tall with a 6 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything, ideally trellis, pergolas or arches.
The Iceberg Rose is very hardy, zones 2 to 10, loves growing in full sun, prefers facing morning sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing New Dawn Roses Flower
The Climbing New Dawn Roses is one of the World's most favourite rose and was given an 'Unique Distinction' by the 'World Convention of the Rose Societies' in 1997.
It is not surprising that the The New Dawn rose is so popular, it produces lovely Soft Pink Roses. The gorgeous pink rose has a 3" diameter flower which contains a perfect array of 15 petals and produces a strong sweet scented fragrance.
The New Dawn will grow up to 18 foot tall with a 10 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything. Be mindful when planting as it will spread and loves to spread, ideally chose a nice sun facing wall.
The New Dawn Rose is very hardy, zones 4 to 10, but it dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Paul's Scarlet Rose Flower
Paul's Scarlet Rose is a fast growing deciduous climbing rose.
Paul's Scarlet rose produces a vibrant Red Rose flowers with a dark green shine coloured leaves. The wonderful 5" flower contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a mild subtle fragrance.
The Paul's Scarlet Rose will grow up to 18 foot tall with a 10 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything, ideally trellis, pergolas or arches.
The Paul's Scarlet Rose is very hardy, zone 5, loves growing in full sun, prefers facing morning sun and dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Westerland Roses Flower
The Climbing Westerland Roses was first cultivated from Germany in 1969 by Reimer Kordes who crossed the Friedrich Worlein rose with the floribunda circus rose.
The Westerland rose produces lovely Orange and yellow Roses with a hint of pink. The gorgeous orange rose has a 5" diameter flower which contains a spectacular array of 30 bulb shaped petals and produces a strong spice scented fragrance.
The Westerland will grow up to 12 foot tall with a 4 foot spread and can be trained to grow up about anything.
The Westerland Rose is quite hardy, zones 5 to 9, but dislikes soggy soil, ensure it is planted in well drained soil.
Climbing Roses
Planting a Climbing Rose needs a bit of attention with regards to the suitability of the soil in the long term and also the supports that will be required to successfully grow your climbing rose for many years.
How to Prune a Climbing Rose
For the first two or three years after planting, your new climbing rose will not require any pruning. During this initial period, your climbing roses should send up a few long stems, which can be trained into a basic framework for your future climbing rose's shape.
For the best results, Roses need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, with climbing roses this task is easier as they will grow above the rest and usually achieve 8 to 10 hours a day, as long as they planted on a sun facing object. While there are 100's of different varieties of roses there are only a few varieties that enjoy part shade, be sure to read the characteristics prior to purchasing roses.
