31 Beautiful Climbing Roses for Trellises and Arbors
Are you considering adding a climbing rose to your garden? Climbing roses add drama and romance and make the most of vertical space. In this article, gardening expert and rose enthusiast Danielle Sherwood shares 31 of her top climbing roses to fit all garden styles, with names and pictures of each!
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Of all the roses we can grow, climbing varieties are my favorite! They provide a lot of impact with just one plant, especially when made the focal point of a garden. Nothing is more charming than a climbing rose trained to bloom all along a garden wall or to drape gracefully over an arbor.
Before adding a climbing rose to your garden, consider the type and sturdiness of the structure you plan to use. Though climbing roses can be left to sprawl into a large shrub, they look their best when canes are tied to a support. Unlike naturally vining plants, climbing roses do not naturally cling to a surface and must be attached via ties.
In the first year, your climbing rose will develop main vertical canes. In the second year, you can encourage it to develop more flowering shoots by training and attaching side canes so they grow horizontally on your desired structure. This way, the rose will produce a breathtaking display of blooms from the ground up!
Climbing roses, whether left to form a large, sprawling shrub or trained up an obelisk or arbor, are an excellent way to cover your garden in beautiful rose blooms. If you’re not certain which rose is best for your garden, let me tell you about my favorites, with names and pictures of each!
‘Lady of Shallot’
botanical name Rosa ‘AUSnyson’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 5’-8’ | |
hardiness zones 4- 11 |
‘Lady of Shallot’ is a romantic, very full English rose, with a gorgeous blend of sunset colors. Buds of pretty crimson open to a mix of orange, golden yellow, and strawberry pink. The color blend adds to ‘Lady of Shallot’s’ versatility. This rose is gorgeous when paired with a wide variety of warm colors or next to cool purples and blues.
This climber is a very manageable 8 feet tall and can be pruned to remain a shrub if preferred. The canes arch naturally. This is a good beginner climbing rose for anyone new to training up a support.
‘Lady of Shallot’ has a delicious clove and apple cider scent, cupped blooms that look gorgeous in a vase, and high disease resistance. It’s easy to see why it’s a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit winner.
‘Kiss Me Kate Arborose’
botanical name Rosa ‘Kornagelio’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 8’-10’ | |
hardiness zones 5-10 |
‘Kiss me Kate’ is the perfect pink climbing rose for beginners. It blooms abundantly despite intense summer heat, is flexible enough to make training easy, and has the disease resistance Kordes roses are known for.
‘Kiss me Kate’ has double, nearly quartered blooms in rich mid-pink. It’s an excellent cutting rose and fills small spaces with a delightful lemon-raspberry perfume.
Though ‘Kate’ is a relatively new rose (introduced in Germany in 2016), it has already amassed a number of international awards. I have it trained along my front porch, and aside from tying canes to encourage horizontal spread, ‘Kiss me Kate’ has been fuss-free! A must-have if you love pink climbers.
‘Veilchenblau’
botanical name Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’ – 20’ | |
hardiness zones 4-10 |
Though roses with big blooms are highly sought-after, abundant clusters of delicate, miniature rose varieties have a beauty all their own. ‘Veilchenblau’, with beautiful lavender and cream streaked flowers and bright yellow stamens, has small blooms with loads of appeal.
‘Veilchenblau’s’ flowers are semi double with an unusual violet coloring. They appear in masses for about 6 weeks in late spring to early summer. Technically a rambler, this rose is extremely vigorous and hardy. It’s showstopping when smothered in its lily-of-the-valley scented blooms.
‘Veilchenblau’ is a robust rose that can grow up to 20 feet tall if supported. Thankfully, training is a breeze, as the canes are nearly thornless! This rose works well for those hard-to-beautify shady corners. Though it produces best in the sun, it has great shade tolerance.
‘Teasing Georgia’
botanical name Rosa ‘Teasing Georgia’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 10’ – 12’ | |
hardiness zones 5-10 |
In my opinion, ‘Teasing Georgia’ is the most attractive yellow rose available. It has charming apricot rosettes, ringed by pale cream outer petals that turn back slightly. It looks equally perfect on a rustic farm or in a cottage garden.
Another Award of Garden Merit winner, ‘Teasing Georgia’ is an excellent climbing rose from English breeder David Austin. It combines old-fashioned charm with disease resistance and hardiness that make this rose irresistible.
Aside from its delicate beauty, ‘Teasing Georgia’ is a fragrance award winner. It has a lovely tea rose scent that will keep you coming back for bouquets all season! Try it paired with deep purple salvia for a beautiful contrast.
‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’
botanical name Rosa ‘MEIteratol’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 4’-10’ | |
hardiness zones 6-10 |
Striped roses are fun and eye-catching, and this sumptuous raspberry and cream variety has qualities that will tempt all striped rose fans. ‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’ is a reliable choice for health and repeat bloom.
Awarded the Gold Standard in the Gold Standard Rose Trials (2013), this rose offers generous ruffled, double flowers and a light green-apple fragrance. ‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’ makes beautiful cut flowers and flashy striped bouquets.
‘Raspberry Cream Twirl’ has supple, almost thorn-free canes that make this midsize climber easy to coax along an obelisk or arbor. It’s low maintenance and highly black spot resistant. This rose takes a bit of time to reach mature size, so be patient as it grows into its own. Once established, it will be one of your favorites!
‘Jeanne Lajoie’
botanical name Rosa ‘Jeanne Lajoie’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 7’ – 10’ | |
hardiness zones 4-11 |
‘Jeanne Lajoie’ is an American Rose Society Hall of Fame winner. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this climber is dressed in adorable ballerina-pink blooms from spring through frost.
This climbing rose is a miniature variety. This doesn’t mean that the plant stays small, but instead refers to the gorgeous dainty green foliage and miniature, perfectly-formed flowers. This rose will wow you with major bloom production on a tall climbing plant.
‘Jeanne’s’ spring flush is her best, with a blanket of 100+ blooms that merit throwing a garden party to show her off. She will continue to produce in smaller flushes throughout the growing season. This rose naturally grows into a somewhat upright, bushy shrub, but is dazzling when allowed to drape over a rock wall or along a fence.
‘Jeanne’s’ delicate appearance belies her hardy nature. This rose is tough and will survive winters down to -30℉, bouncing right back to bloom in the summer heat.
‘Florentina’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORtrameilo’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 7’-10’ | |
hardiness zones 5-11 |
If you dream of swoon-worthy old-fashioned red roses, ‘Florentina’ is the rose for you! This rose has large, cupped, almost peony-like blooms in bright Venetian red.
Its flexible canes are a cinch to train, and the lavish quartered flowers are dreamy climbing up an obelisk. A moderately sized climber, ‘Florentina’ is a good introduction to climbing roses. It won’t overwhelm your space, and packs in a lot of beauty while being very manageable to grow.
This is an easy-care adaptable rose that will thrive without pampering. Part of the Star Ⓡ Roses and Plants Bloomables Ⓡ series, ‘Florentina’ has enviable health and bloom power. If you love an old-world look in your red roses, this rose delivers.
‘New Dawn’
botanical name Rosa ‘New Dawn’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’ – 15’ | |
hardiness zones 6- 11 |
‘New Dawn’ is the quintessential fairy tale rose. Train this vigorous grower over an arch, and you’ll have instant romantic atmosphere! The pale blush, almost silvery flowers have a light fresh fragrance and repeat bloom all summer long.
‘New Dawn’ has an impressive pedigree. Inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame and selected as “World’s Most Popular Rose” at The World Convention of Rose Societies, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser with beauty and disease resistance.
Pick where you’re going to put ‘New Dawn’ ahead of time. This rose takes up a lot of space and grows fast! Blooms don’t last a long time on the bush but appear in such profusion that it doesn’t matter.
The soft pink shade looks gorgeous as a garden focal point or a nearly neutral base in a mixed bed. Strong and stunning, plant ‘New Dawn’ where your neighbors can admire it. This one’s a compliment magnet!
‘Eden’
botanical name Rosa ‘Pierre de Ronsard’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 6’ – 10’ | |
hardiness zones 5- 9 |
I love ‘Eden’. There is something so enchanting about its huge spherical blooms, rich pink centers, and pale cream outer petals that is unrivaled in other roses. It is my number one recommended rose due to its health, vigor, and breathtakingly gorgeous flowers.
Crowned ‘World’s Favorite Rose’ at the 2012 World Federation of Rose Societies Convention, it turns out I’m in good company among ‘Eden’ fans. Its blooms are old-fashioned (with 100+ petals each!) and deeply cupped, appearing in masses all summer long.
‘Eden’ begs to be the centerpiece of the garden. Thankfully, it requires little maintenance to look good and has great disease resistance. A must-have for all rose lovers.
‘Iceberg’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORbin’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 4’- 12’ | |
hardiness zones 4-10 |
‘Iceberg’ has mounds of snowy white double blooms, adding a timeless look to any garden. It is one of the world’s most popular roses for good reason. This is a reliably tough and floriferous variety that will look great all season long beginning in early spring.
‘Iceberg’ is considered a top landscape rose, and makes it easy to cover your garden in white blooms. It produces sprays of up to 15 medium-sized blooms. If white isn’t your favorite, ‘Iceberg’ also comes in a beautiful burgundy form, with deep wine petals and a lighter reverse.
‘Iceberg’ has an appealing mild fragrance and won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its quantity of blooms and adaptability. Prune it sparingly in the first few years to let it get established. Just a no-fail, classically beautiful rose.
‘Tangerine Skies’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORtangenu’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 6’-8’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
Do you need a burst of glowing color to brighten up your garden? ‘Tangerine Skies’ produces pretty pumpkin-colored roses throughout the summer on glossy green, healthy foliage.
‘Tangerine’ is sweetly fragrant and climbs up to 8 feet tall. Double blooms appear in clusters, and the plant is highly black spot resistant. This is a great choice for humid climates.
A bit of a slow starter, ‘Tangerine Skies’ takes a few seasons to show its full beauty. Give it time to develop strong roots and you’ll soon be rewarded with armfuls of golden orange rose blooms!
‘Quicksilver’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORpucoblu’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 7’– 10’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
If you are in search for those elusive purple tones in your next rose, ‘Quicksilver’ will not disappoint you! With true lavender tones and heavy double blooms, there’s nothing else quite like it.
‘Quicksilver’ is a small to midsize climber, but can grow up to 6 feet tall in one season! Plant it and get the look of a beautiful mature garden, fast. Remarkably healthy even in challenging sites, this rose will help you achieve a no-spray garden.
The flowers are cupped and slightly ruffled, and look impressive in the vase. The scent is sweet and moderate but strong enough to waft in the breeze. ‘Quicksilver’ has got it all: bloom power, fragrance, and hardiness.
‘Polka’
botanical name Rosa ‘MEItosier’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 8’– 12’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
‘Polka’ is another full, ruffled stunner, this time in creamy apricot shades. Enormous frilly blooms are up to 6 inches across and shine in lovely golden tones. The bush reaches about 12 feet high and blooms abundantly from spring through fall.
‘Polka’ is a fast grower undeterred by scorching summer heat. You will be attracted by her heavenly peachy scent from across the garden! Polka makes lavish bouquets, and blooms last quite a while on the bush or in the vase.
As blooms fade, you’ll see shades of cream and pale pink as well as apricot. ‘Polka’ is a high-performing, robust rose that will delight you and all your garden visitors.
‘Mermaid’
botanical name Rosa ‘Mermaid’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 15’ – 25’ | |
hardiness zones 7- 10 |
‘Mermaid’ is just waiting to make over the neglected, shady corners of your yard. With some growers reporting it grows like a weed, it’s the perfect variety for gardeners with low light and poor soil.
‘Mermaid’ is a serious climber, growing up to 25 feet tall. It will smother an unsightly shed or ugly fence in large, saucer-like pale lemon blooms that glow in dappled shade. ‘Mermaid’ flourishes in warm climates, and its attractive foliage is evergreen through mild winters.
If you don’t want to train it vertically, ‘Mermaid’ will grow into a giant reclining shrub covered in enormous single flowers with prominent golden stamens. If you have the inkling to grow it over an arbor, this perfumed beauty will be jawdropping.
‘Laguna’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORadigel’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 8’– 10’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
‘Laguna’ is a free-flowering, sturdy climber with hot pink to deep fuschia rose blooms and intoxicating scent. Forest green, shiny foliage supports clusters of densely petaled blooms beginning in early summer.
‘Laguna’s’ fragrance is not to be missed. With a depth of scent ranging from citrus to earthy vetiver and a bevy of international awards, you’ll want to add it to your collection if fragrant roses are your priority.
‘Laguna’ performs best in cooler climates, with slightly reduced bloom production in 100+ ℉ summers. Feed it well and plant it near a seating area where you can appreciate its double blooms and enticing perfume.
‘Honeymoon’
botanical name Rosa ‘KORhemtra’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 6’-8’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
Plush ivory flowers tinged with blush make for sweet bridal bouquets or romantic honeymoon ambiance! ‘Honeymoon’ is a high performing, quick-growing climbing rose that only grows up to 8 feet tall.
If you love creamy neutrals and lack the space for a more vigorous rose, consider this moderate variety. ‘Honeymoon’ will fill your smaller garden with prolific, old-rose-scented blooms in a more compact package, and is just the right size for training along most backyard fences.
‘Honeymoon’ is healthy and floriferous. It received an award for “Best Climber” in international trials. Pretty, disease-free, and repeat-blooming, this is a lovely introduction to climbing roses.
‘Graham Thomas’
botanical name Rosa ‘Graham Thomas’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 10’ – 12’ | |
hardiness zones 5-8 |
Can’t get enough of sunny yellow? Make this gorgeous climber the focal piece of your garden. Named “World’s Favorite Rose’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2009, ‘Graham Thomas’ produces intense honey-yellow flowers from spring ‘til frost.
A cottage garden favorite, ‘Graham Thomas’ shines paired with purple delphiniums or blue flowers like flax and perennial geraniums. It has a naturally upright habit and oozes charm when trained up a brick wall.
‘Graham’ is highly rated for disease resistance. The most impressive flush is in spring, but it will repeat throughout the season. Cut lots of these to bring the fresh violet and tea rose perfume inside!
‘Madame Alfred Carriere’
botanical name Rosa ‘Madame Alfred Carriere’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 8’– 20’ | |
hardiness zones 6-10 |
‘Madame Alfred Carriere’ is an old french noisette rose bred in 1875. Noisettes, descendants of the repeat-blooming China roses and strong-scented European musk roses, do particularly well in the warm humidity of the American south.
Award-winning ‘Madame Alfred Carriere’ is an antique beauty with clusters of small, cream-to-blush, ruffled blooms from spring through fall. Flowers appear atop light spring-green foliage on a graceful bush that climbs up to 20 feet. This rose sends out long canes that do best with strong support.
The appeal of ‘Madame’ has lasted for over a hundred years. It was inducted into the Old Rose Hall of Fame in 2003 and continues to be popular today. With intense old rose fragrance and graceful thornless canes, it will be timeless in your garden too.
‘Joseph’s Coat’
botanical name Rosa ‘Joseph’s Coat’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 8’– 12’ | |
hardiness zones 4-10 |
Does your garden need a bit more excitement? ‘Joseph’s Coat’, with colors that change throughout the bloom cycle, might have just the right amount of pizazz. This bestselling climber has been popular since it came out in the 1960s due to its bloom machine status and evolving color variation.
Buds begin a cherry red, and gradually open to reveal shades of pink, golden yellow, and orange. As the flowers open at different times, the result is a dynamic multicolor display. The bloom clusters of floribunda ‘Joseph’s Coat’ are excellent in bouquets and have a pleasant fruity scent.
‘Joseph’s Coat’ does not do well in humid areas as it’s somewhat susceptible to black spot. It is also beloved by Japanese Beetles. If neither is a major problem in your area, this constantly blooming colorful head-turner is a time-tested choice.
‘Don Juan’
botanical name Rosa ‘Don Juan’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’ – 14’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
Known for giant crimson blooms and velvety texture, ‘Don Juan’ has seduced rose-lovers since 1958! This climber has long, sturdy stems perfect for cutting. It is highly fragrant and perfumes your garden with a classic rose scent rare in high tea climbing roses.
‘Don Juan’ is a vigorous grower that can quickly achieve 10 feet in height. The deep green foliage of ‘Don Juan’ contributes to its elegant look. Best in full sun, it’s highly floriferous. Florist style high-centered blooms make professional-looking bouquets.
‘Don Juan’, as a high tea, takes a bit more maintenance than many roses on this list. Promptly remove any foliage discolored by black spot to prevent spread. Provide protection if you have harsh winters to prevent cane die-back. Be aware that this stunner has some mean thorns. If you’ve fallen in love with ‘Don Juan’, you won’t mind the extra effort.
‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’
botanical name Rosa ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 20’ – 30’ | |
hardiness zones 4- 9 |
Do you want to go big? If you have a lot of space to cover, beautiful rambler ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ is a prime candidate. This rose is extremely vigorous and will climb up to 30 feet tall. When it blooms in spring, the effect is awe-inspiring.
‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ is a rambling rose, which performs similarly to other perennials in that it only has one bloom cycle per year. However, the production of this rose during its 6-week period of bloom will far exceed what other roses put out through the whole season. Thousands of fluffy blush-tinged flowers cover the plant and almost completely obscure the foliage. The display lasts about 6 weeks and will become an annual event.
Wait until after its spring flush is over before pruning ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’, though you can just let it go wild if you prefer. Ramblers like to spread out, and do best when allowed to grow freely.
‘Impressionist’
botanical name Rosa ‘CLEpainter’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 8’-12’ | |
hardiness zones 5-10 |
‘Impressionist’ is the radiant result of crossing award-winning golden ‘Graham Thomas’ and florist-favorite ‘Distant Drums’. Inheriting unique coloration and excellent health from both parents, ‘Impressionist’ is a shimmering rose with apricot centers and outer petals in pink, coral, orange, and cream.
Blooms have a delectable myrrh scent. Dark green foliage is the perfect backdrop for the frilly flowers worthy of a luscious bouquet. The beauty of ‘Impressionist’ might just inspire you to try your hand at painting!
‘Impressionist’ is rust and mildew resistant in humid areas, and performs well in arid conditions too. It’s an easy-to-grow, vigorously flowering masterpiece. Best in sun, it will tolerate shade but produce slightly smaller blooms.
‘Colette’
botanical name Rosa ‘MEIroupis’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 6’-8’ | |
hardiness zones 5-10 |
‘Colette’, Colette, my biggest rose regret. Purchased and pampered in a pot many years ago, I lost my ‘Colette’ because I failed to provide winter protection in my zone 5 garden. I sometimes think about how beautiful it would look now, climbing my garden arch and enthralling passers-by with lush pink flowers and a delicious spice damask scent.
It’s too late for my dreams of ‘Colette’, but it’s not too late for you to plant this charming traditional climber. It has graceful canes and dense green foliage, looking beautiful even when not in bloom. In spring, numerous ruffly soft-pink flowers adorn the bush and repeat sporadically through the season.
‘Colette’ does well in the hot and humid south, but will also manage in colder zones (just don’t forget to give it some winter protection!). Its strong tea rose perfume is savored in bouquets and will be a favorite of family and friends. Give this rose some time to get going as it makes its way to a mature 8 feet.
‘Alchymist’
botanical name Rosa ‘Alchymist’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’-15’ | |
hardiness zones 4-10 |
‘Alchymist’ is a once-blooming rambler that produces enchanting swirled blooms in gold, peach, and pink. The large flowers have 40+ slightly pointed petals and a button eye, lending this rose a uniquely beautiful appearance.
Like other rambling roses, ‘Alchymist’ blooms with a breathtaking quantity of flowers in spring for several weeks, and has beautiful foliage for the rest of the summer. However, some gardeners with long seasons have found that it occasionally responds to a heavy post-bloom pruning with another flush in the fall.
‘Alchymist’ is disease resistant and very healthy, but avoid it in particularly rainy regions, where it tends to get black spot.
‘James Galway’
botanical name Rosa ‘AUScrystal’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’-12’ | |
hardiness zones 4-11 |
This exquisite English rose, named for the Irish flutist, reliably flowers in flushes from spring through frost. ‘James Galway’ has very full, quartered blooms with deep pink centers, and pale pink reflexed outer petals.
An easy-to-manage, short climber, ‘James Galway’ has exceptional health. It will put up with some shade, but the intense clove and fruit scent is most enthralling in full sun.
‘James’ makes a great cutting rose and performs well in a wide range of climates. Consider training it alongside a white clematis for a romantic and whimsical touch.
‘Sally Holmes’
botanical name Rosa ‘Sally Holmes’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 6’-12’ | |
hardiness zones 5- 9 |
‘Sally Holmes’ is a true bloom machine. Excellent health and prolific flowers all season long made this rose a World Federation of Rose Societies Hall of Fame winner! ‘Sally’ wows with large bloom clusters that contain up to 60 flowers each.
Beloved by bees and butterflies, ‘Sally’ has apricot buds that open to white ruffled single blooms with golden stamens. This rose is beautiful left as a sprawling shrub or when trained over an arbor. Canes are smooth and thornless, making this rose easy to prune.
‘Sally Holmes’ is a quick grower and very shade tolerant. This rose is low maintenance and a sight to behold when in flush. Cut flowers just as they begin to open for pretty bouquets with a long vase life.
‘Climbing Prairie Rose’
botanical name Rosa ‘Setigera’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 4’-15’ | |
hardiness zones 3- 9 |
If you care about the environment and want to do your part, native plants are the way to go. Fortunately, rose fans have several native species to choose from. ‘Climbing Prairie Rose’ is a lovely wild variety native to the Eastern and Central United States. It has single blooms of bubblegum pink that fade to blush as they age.
Best in large gardens, ‘Climbing Prairie’ can sucker to form a thicket fairly quickly. If you desire a privacy hedge, this pollinator favorite will make one for you! After a pretty flush in spring or early summer, ‘Prairie’s’ autumn foliage has lovely red shades. In winter, it provides habitat and nourishment for birds with pretty red hips.
‘Climbing Prairie Rose’ has delicate small prickles that enable it to cling more like a vine. Its profusion of open flowers with contrasting golden stamens is eye-catching on an arch. Like most native plants, this rose is remarkably healthy and fuss-free in the right conditions. It enjoys a bit of shade and somewhat moist soil.
‘America’
botanical name Rosa ‘JACclam’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 6’-12’ | |
hardiness zones 4-9 |
The unusual shade of ‘America’s’ coral to salmon blooms must be seen in person to appreciate. Bright and showy, this large-flowered climber is a star in the garden.
Tough and better every year, ‘America’ descends from the famous heavenly-scented ‘Fragrant Cloud’. Its strong scent of clove and fruit doesn’t disappoint. Steadily flowering with double, high-centered blooms from spring through fall, ‘America’ is a robust and hardy winner.
‘America’ is an All-America Rose Selection winner best in warmer climates. It flowers in small sprays as well as single stems. If you want a quick-growing, reliably blooming rose that stands out in the garden, you can’t go wrong with this one.
‘Candyland’
botanical name Rosa ‘WEKrosopela’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun | |
height 12’-15’ | |
hardiness zones 5-9 |
‘Candy Land’ is pure fun and whimsy. The flowers are a cheerful raspberry red, streaked with pale yellow and ivory. The bush, nearly always in flower in summer, looks like it’s covered in swirly, colorful hard candies.
‘Candy Land’ is a healthy climber with great disease resistance and mild tea rose perfume. Petals are gently waved and lush and appear in clusters.
Blooms last for a long time on the bush, making for a constant show during the season. Train this vigorous climber up an obelisk in full sun for an attention-grabbing display that will make you recall the fun of childhood.
‘Cécile Brunner’
botanical name Rosa ‘Cécile Brunner’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 15’-25’ | |
hardiness zones 4-11 |
‘Cécile Brunner’, nicknamed “Sweetheart Rose” for its adorable miniature pale pink flowers, might be the most beloved of the Old Garden Roses. This endearing climber introduced in 1881 has perfect tiny buds on long arching stems.
The curving canes of ‘Cécile’ grow up to 25 feet, turning your garden into a wonderland of little pink pompon blooms. A fast grower, it takes only a year or two for ‘Cécile Brunner’ to climb to the top of an average garden arch. Though some vendors claim it’s thornless, other gardeners warn of prickles.
Prune heavily for best rebloom, and enjoy vases full of roses with a pretty apple blossom fragrance. ‘Cécile Brunner’ is a polyantha, known for hardiness, disease resistance, and shade tolerance. A long-time favorite with antique charm and great health!
‘Gloire de Dijon’
botanical name Rosa ‘Gloire de Dijon’ | |
plant type Perennial | |
sun requirements Full Sun-Part Shade | |
height 10’ – 15’ | |
hardiness zones 7- 11 |
‘Gloire de Dijon’, also called ‘Old Glory’, is a luminous old garden climber introduced in 1853. Beginning in midsummer, it produces loads of full lavish blooms in golden apricot that fade to a pretty buff.
Aside from steady blooms, ‘Gloire’ also boasts great shade tolerance and versatility. This rose is an ideal choice for gardeners in warm climates and large areas of dappled shade. Try it trained around a pillar for a sophisticated look or up a fence for a cottage-style backdrop.
‘Gloire de Dijon’ is a high performer that exudes a delicious fruity fragrance when warmed by the sun. This rose is a historic beauty whose appeal remains strong in modern gardens.
Final Thoughts
Climbing roses add major drama to a garden. Making the most of vertical space, they surround you in fragrant blooms.
Whether you want a statement arbor to welcome guests, romantic ambiance, reliable stems for cutting, or a disguise for an unsightly corner-climbing roses will do the job beautifully. For best success, pick a variety hardy to your zone that’s compatible with your desired mature size and maintenance commitment. Enjoy your roses!