Hardiness of the Penny Lane Climbing Rose

Location

• "Penny Lane" is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 5B through 10B, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Like all roses, "Penny Lane" will produce its best flowers in full sunlight. Shadier conditions will reduce flowering and the vine may become leggy. Grow the rose on a trellis, fence or arbor set up against a south or west facing wall to gain additional warmth where "Penny Lane" is borderline hardy.

Regular Maintenance

• Water your climbing rose regularly throughout the growing season to keep the soil moist but not water logged or flooded. Avoid overhead irrigation, which promotes foliage disease. If drainage is poor, amend soil with 2 to 4 inches of organic matter such as humus, peat moss or well rotted manure or compost. Encourage flowers and overall plant vigor by fertilizing with 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, divided into three applications applied throughout the growing season.

Soil

• A healthy rose grown in the proper cultural conditions is more likely to survive a challenging winter. Roses prefer a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Raise soil pH if needed by applying 7 to 8 pounds of dolomitic lime per 100 square feet. For soil with a pH between 7.0 and 7.5, Ohio State University recommends applying 1 pound of sulfur per 100 square feet. Add an additional pound of sulfur for each full point above 7.0.

Winter Protection

• If you expect winter temperatures to fall below -15 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to protect your rose. Winter protection can be challenging for climbing roses because of their size. Some gardeners wrap the canes in burlap or wire mesh stuffed with straw to insulate the plants from drying winter winds. Remove dead plant debris that may harbor insects and disease and protect the roots by covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch such as wood chips, sawdust, pine bark or shredded hardwood. Water every three weeks or so during dry winter spells.