Can Any Rose Grow on a Trellis?

Climbing Rose Types

• Many different types of roses require some sort of support on which to grow. Ramblers grow about 20 feet a season and are very hardy, having 2-inch diameter flowers that grows in clusters during spring. Most Everblooming climbers bloom heavily early summer with sporadic bloom later in the season, yet there are a few that bloom all summer. A few varieties of hybrid tea roses are climbers and the flower looks just like those that grow on bushes. Climbing floribunda and polyanthus roses bloom all summer and their flowers look like the bush varieties.

Requirements

• Climbers have the same requirements as bush roses. They need well-drained soil, preferably with clay content, and an acidic pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Roses prefer 6 or more hours of sun and prefer an eastern exposure for morning sun. Wind protection is important for climbers as their stems are long and break easily in windstorms.

Trellis Types

• Wooden fences make good trellises for ramblers because the canes grow long and heavy. Climbing roses grow up walls, but use wires or a wooden trellis attached to the wall with hinges to keep canes 3 inches from the actual wall. This allows for air circulation essential for good health of the rose. Arbors and pergolas offer good support as do fan trellises. Victorian iron rose towers are making a come back in modern gardens. Anchor all trellis structures to the ground or wall securely so they will bare the weight of the rose.

Planting Climbing Roses

• Dig holes twice as wide as the roots and about 2 feet deep depending on variety. Situate the center of the hole 18 to 30 inches away from the support structure. Plant roses per nursery instructions, water and spread mulch underneath. Some climbers require room to spread, so plant far away from trees or shrubs that will compete with soil nutrients and water.

Care of Climbing Roses

• Roses do not have tendrils that grab and grow up a trellis and must be tied. When a cane gets long enough to reach the trellis and starts to droop, tie it to the trellis with an 8- to 10-inch strip of cloth. Nurseries sell rose ties made of wire-covered plastic that secure around the stem and trellis with a twist. Leave a little wiggle room so the stem can grow. Tie canes up in a fan shape so some grow upward and others grow to the side. Once spring comes, prune right after new growth appears. Trim each stem to leave only 3 to 4 buds or bumps on the cane. Later on, older canes will need cutting to the ground.