Climbing roses do not actually climb, at least not like other vining or clinging plants.  Climbing roses grow long canes that can be tied and trained to a support.  Ramblers are climbing roses with very long, flexible canes.  These are generally the giants among climbing roses - some get quite large, and can be grown into trees or allowed to smother small buildings. 

Climbing roses add verticality to the garden.    Have you ever seen a huge rambler spilling from a tall tree?  Covering an unsightly fence or outbuilding with fragrant splendor?  Who wouldn't want to see and smell roses from their second story windows?  I doubt anyone can enter a walkway spanned by a rose-covered arbor without being moved by the welcoming charm of fragrant blooms.

Climbing roses can be used to dissuade burglars from climbing your fence or into your windows; thorns can come in pretty handy at times.  Think of all the potential DNA evidence a would-be burglar would leave behind!  Plus, those same thorns would help dissuade teenagers from sneaking out of (or into) their bedroom windows, a huge added bonus for parents everywhere.

Prevent teen pregnancy - plant climbing roses!!!

Climbing roses are the garden equivalents of skyscrapers and murals; they lift the eyes toward the heavens and take the heart along for the ride.

The Noisette roses are, for the most part, climbing roses as well. I used to include them withing this section but have decided to give them an area of their own.

Many of these are fairly new additions to my garden, and I may not have photos and full information posted.  Please check back often, as this section will be undergoing a lot of changes in the near future.

Return to Old Garden Roses