Climbing roses are an ideal choice for adding a cottage vibe to your garden. There are many types of roses, including bourbons, hybrid teas, and English varieties. You can pick between single or double blooms, fragrant or thorn-free kinds—since these plants can thrive for decades, making the right selection really matters. They grow beautifully against house walls, along fences, over pergolas, or even around tall garden obelisks. Most climbing roses bloom more than once in a season, and their flowers are generally bigger than those of rambling roses.
Growing Climbing Rose
If you’re looking for guidance on how to grow climbing roses successfully, these steps will help you get started the right way.
When to plant
The best time to plant bareroot roses is in late winter or early spring, allowing the roots sufficient time to settle in before the summer heat arrives.
Where to plant
Climbing roses thrive in full sun but can tolerate some light shade. An eastern exposure often works best, as it shields the foliage from harsh afternoon rays. Always check that the plant’s mature size and height suit the spot you’ve chosen. Since most varieties need support, you’ll want to train them on an arbor, fence, trellis, or wall. If you plan to cover a wall, it’s best to use a trellis set a few inches away to maintain airflow around the plant.
How to plant
Dig a hole large enough so the roots can spread out easily. Loosen the soil at the bottom so roots can grow deeper with ease. Place the plant in the center, angling the branches slightly toward the support structure. Keep the grafting union just beneath the soil level, then fill in the hole, gently firm the soil, and water thoroughly.
Soil
Climbing roses prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Supporting
Because climbing roses don’t twine or cling on their own, they need a sturdy structure for support. Use soft, stretchy ties to secure the canes, ensuring that you do not damage the branches as they grow.
Climbing Rose Care
Training
During the first year or two, guide your climbing rose in the direction you want it to spread. Prune only to remove unhealthy or diseased branches. This helps the plant develop a strong base and fuller growth over time.
Pruning
Once the plant is established, begin light pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Main canes growing directly from the base should be pruned after flowering, while lateral canes (the ones that produce blooms) can be trimmed lightly any time of year. Deadheading spent flowers also encourages more blossoms, especially in repeat-blooming varieties.
Watering
Climbing roses thrive on consistent moisture. In the first year, water deeply to help roots establish. Mornings are the best time, and it’s important to water at the base to keep leaves dry. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil increases the risk of fungal diseases.
Amendments & Fertilizer
Feed your climber in early spring with a time-release fertilizer, watering both before and after feeding to avoid root burn. Spread a few inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture during the summer. In late fall, add extra mulch for winter protection, then remove the excess once the soil begins to warm in spring.
Diseases
Although climbing roses are generally more resistant than bush roses, they can still suffer from black spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, rust, and other fungal diseases often triggered by excessive water, heat, or humidity.
Pests
Common pests include aphids, scale, whiteflies, and the rose curculio weevil. A strong spray of water can knock off aphids and whiteflies, while sticky yellow cards trap flying insects. Insecticidal soap works well for quick contact control. Keeping the ground free of fallen leaves and flowers also reduces pest and disease risk.
