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Climbing and Rambling Roses

These are very popular types of roses and are available in many colors and varieties. They can be grown along a support such as a fence or trellis and even trees.

Both climbing and rambling roses will produce
one or more main canes which form the center of the plant. Flowering shoots develop laterally from the canes.

Rambling roses can grow to be very tall with numerous flexible canes that can be trained to their support or left naturally. As a rule, rambling roses will only bloom once in the spring, lasting about four to six weeks.

The canes of climbing roses are usually sturdier and must be tied to stay in place. Climbers will bloom several times during the growing season and some produce throughout the year. Maximum height is about ten to twelve feet, whereas ramblers can grow much taller.

Grow your rambling or climbing roses in rich soil including manure or compost. Fertilize in spring and summer with a good rose food.

Have your support in place before you plant and place the rose as close as possible to the support. As the plants grow, direct the growth to where it is wanted and tie the canes to prevent rubbing if necessary.

Prune selectively. For the first two or three years, the only thing you should need to do is prune dead wood and broken branches. After that, take out weak, damaged and overcrowded canes at the base. During the dormant season or in early spring before new growth appears, you can also prune the lateral shoots two to three buds above the canes to promote more flowers.

Rambling and climbing roses can add beauty, texture and foundation to your garden and are well worth the little extra trouble getting them established.