Types of Climbing Roses

 

Climbing roses are a beautiful addition to any garden, offering a vertical element that adds both height and color. They differ from bush roses due to their long canes, which can be trained to grow on trellises, walls, pergolas, or fences. Climbing roses can be categorized based on their growth habits, blooming patterns, and specific characteristics. Here are the main types:

                                      

1. Large-Flowered Climbers (LFC)

· Description: These climbing roses are known for producing large, showy blooms, typically growing on tall, strong canes. The flowers often resemble hybrid tea roses or floribundas in shape and size.

· Blooming Pattern: Most varieties are repeat bloomers, providing continuous flowers throughout the growing season.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Climbing Peace’ (creamy yellow with pink edges)

o ‘New Dawn’ (soft pink)

· Uses: Ideal for covering walls, fences, or garden structures. Their large blooms make them perfect for creating a focal point in the garden.

    2. Ramblers

                                  

· Description: Ramblers are known for their vigorous growth and long, flexible canes that can reach 20 feet or more. These roses are typically more “wild” and free-flowing compared to other climbers.

· Blooming Pattern: Most ramblers bloom only once in the early summer, but they produce a profusion of small to medium-sized flowers in large clusters.

 

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Dorothy Perkins’ (pink)

o ‘American Pillar’ (bright pink)

· Uses: Ramblers are great for growing over large structures such as pergolas, arbors, or even trees. They create a cascading effect when in bloom.

 

3. Evergreen Climbers

                                             

                                                              

· Description: These roses retain their leaves year-round, providing greenery even during the winter months, which is a unique feature compared to other climbing roses.

· Blooming Pattern: Often repeat bloomers, providing color throughout the season while also keeping their foliage intact.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Banksiae Lutea’ (yellow, thornless)

· Uses: Perfect for gardeners looking for year-round visual appeal, as these roses provide foliage cover during all seasons.

4. Noisette Climbers

                                          

· Description: Noisettes are climbing roses originating from a cross between a Chinese rose and a musk rose, known for their clusters of blooms and pleasant fragrance.

· Blooming Pattern: Most are repeat bloomers, with many blooms clustered together in soft pastel shades, often with a delightful fragrance.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Mme Alfred Carrière’ (white)

· Uses: Their soft colors and fragrance make them ideal for walls, trellises, and fences in cottage or romantic-style gardens.

5. Old Garden Rose Climbers

                                        

· Description: These roses have been grown for centuries and often feature a classic rose fragrance with large, old-fashioned blooms. They are less common in modern gardens but are valued for their charm and historic significance.

· Blooming Pattern: Some varieties are once-bloomers, but they produce abundant flowers during their peak bloom time.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Cécile Brunner’ (light pink)

o ‘Blush Noisette’ (pale pink)

· Uses: These climbers are perfect for traditional or historic gardens where their nostalgic blooms add a timeless feel.

 

6. Miniature Climbers

· Description: As the name suggests, these climbers are a smaller variety of climbing roses, offering miniature blooms but on a climbing form. They’re ideal for small spaces or containers.

· Blooming Pattern: Many are repeat bloomers, providing color throughout the season.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Jeanne LaJoie’ (pink)

· Uses: Suitable for smaller trellises, obelisks, or even as patio climbers. They are perfect for gardens with limited space or for adding vertical interest to container gardens.

 

7. Pillar Roses

                                         

· Description: Pillar roses are not technically a different type of rose, but a method of training climbing roses. They are trained to grow in a more upright manner along a pole or pillar, rather than spreading horizontally.

· Blooming Pattern: Most varieties used for pillar training are repeat bloomers.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Iceberg Climbing’ (white)

o ‘Eden Climber’ (pink)

· Uses: Ideal for vertical garden features like pergola posts, lampposts, or garden columns.

8.English Climbing Roses

· Description: Created by famed British breeder David Austin, English climbers combine the charm of old roses with the continuous blooming habits of modern varieties. They often have a strong fragrance and classic, full-petaled blooms.

· Blooming Pattern: Most English climbers are repeat bloomers.

· Popular Varieties:

o ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ (pink)

o ‘The Generous Gardener’ (pale pink)

· Uses: These roses are perfect for training on walls, fences, or over garden arches, offering continuous bloom and fragrance.

 

Bonus Tips for Growing Climbing Roses

1. Support: Ensure your climbing roses have strong support such as a trellis or arbor, as their long canes need something to cling to.

2. Pruning: Prune climbing roses in late winter or early spring, cutting back old canes to encourage new growth and abundant blooms.

3. Training: Train the main canes horizontally to promote side shoots, which will produce more flowers along the entire length of the cane.

4. Fertilizing: Use a balanced rose fertilizer throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and continuous blooming.

By choosing the right type of climbing rose for your garden, you can create stunning vertical features filled with color, fragrance, and old-world charm.