Recommended Climbing Roses

Cherokee Rose

• The Cherokee rose is an evergreen, climbing rose that can be between 10 and 12 feet tall and has a sprawling reach of up to 15 feet. A native of China, the Cherokee rose is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, and has been naturalized throughout much of the southeastern United States. The vine has thick stems and glossy evergreen leaves, and flowers with white roses that are up to 4 inches in diameter.

  An adaptable vine, the Cherokee rose can be grown in a number of different soils, and does well in full sun or light shade. Drought-tolerant and able to survive wet soils during heavy rains and flooding, the Cherokee rose is also fast-growing, easy to propagate and easy to train to grow up a trellis or other structure. Disease- and pest-resistant, it has large fruits or "hips" thta attract birds to the garden.

  A common sight, the easy, low-maintenance climbing Cherokee rose was voted the state flower of Georgia.

Lady Banks

• The Lady Banks is a wild rose that is unrelated to the more traditional types of climbing roses like the Cherokee. Actually a type of climbing shrub, the Lady Banks can climb as far as 50 feet up a tree or building, and can easily cover walls. Because of its massive, sprawling size and shape, it is not suited for small yards or areas, but should instead be planted where it has plenty of room to grow and climb.

  The rose blooms once a year in the late spring, and the entire shrub is covered in yellow or white flowers.

  The Lady Banks needs next to no maintenance, and the only pruning necessary is the removal of dead vines. The rose prefers full sun, and if it finds it has grown into a shady area it will adjust its growth pattern on its own. Hardy to USDA Zones 7 through 9, frosts can kill the vine.

  Most likely the inspiration for the song "The Yellow Rose of Texas," the Lady Banks is often found in the formal gardens of historic areas of the southeastern states.

Don Juan

• The Don Juan climbing rose is recommended by the Missouri Botanical Gardens as one of the best of the red climbing roses. Hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, the Don Juan begins flowering in May and continues until the first frost. Flowers are dark red, fragrant, and up to 5 inches across. Removing the flowers after they die can encourage more blossoms.

  Actually a shrub, the Don Juan can climb between 8 and 10 feet and can be used as a pillar rose or trained to climb a trellis, wall or fence. While it is susceptible to common rose diseases such as black spot and rust, preventative measures such as the application of fungicide are successful in controlling the outbreaks.

  With full sunlight, regular watering and an open area to promote air circulation, the Don Juan will earn its name with its glossy green leaves and beautiful double red roses.