These vigorously growing climbing roses create old-fashioned cottage charm.
Jean Allsopp
Climbing roses (Rosa setigera)add old-fashioned cottage charm to your Southern garden.
The flowers grow in clusters and start deep pink, then fade into white as they age.
Credit:Jean Allsopp
Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about the care of climbing roses.
One trick to making climbing roses produce more blooms is to train them laterally rather than vertically.
Climbers will have short spurs along their central stems, and these will produce buds.
Credit:Jean Allsopp
Light
Like all roses, climbing roses do best in full sun.
Excellent drainage is a must.
If your soil is poor, enhance it by adding organic matter such as compost or organic mulch.
This will also improve drainage in heavy clay soils and increase water retention in sandy soils.
Water
Water consistently, especially during the first year when roots establish.
Climbing roses prefer consistent, deep waterings in the mornings.
Temperature And Humidity
Climbing roses grow inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-8.
They thrive in moderate temperatures between 50oF and 80oF.
Roses thrive in moderately humid environments.
These versatile and easy-to-grow and train climbers add charm to any garden.
Popular varieties include:
Pruning
Climbing roses need little to no pruning for the first two years.
The time to prune rosesis during their dormancy in mid-to-late winter.
Remove any diseased, injured, or spindly branches.
Clean up any debris around the plants.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Climbing roses are relatively disease-resistant.
Extreme heat prevents the foliage from absorbing nutrients and water.
Additional coverings might be beneficial to provide artificial shade during extreme sun exposure.
Dropping Leaves
Overfertilization of climbing roses leads to foliage die back and leaf drop.
Limit the fertilization to two applications per season, one in the spring and one in the summer.
Discolored Foliage
Alkaline soils will discolor the plant’s foliage, turning it yellow or brown.
Compost also adds nutrients and retains moisture.
