Guest Author - Sue MacNeil

If you want to make a dramatic statement in your landscape, try using climbing roses and ramblers. If you provide the correct support for their growth, they will greatly increase the visual impact and beauty of your yard.

One thing to realize before you get started is that climbing and rambling roses are not true vines and won’t grow up a trellis or any other support without being encouraged to do so.
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The support you choose should be sturdy enough to hold the full weight of a mature plant. Climbers reach heights of up to 18 feet while ramblers can grow as high as 40! The actual height depends on the variety. Ramblers are great for covering ugly walls while climbers do best in smaller spaces. Both would do fine on a fence.

Supports need to be able to stand up to all kinds of weather, so choose something sturdy and rot resistant.. This can be treated wood, metal, plastic, wire, or even pvc pipes like those used in plumbing.

Make sure you put your plants and support exactly where you want them because they do not like being moved and most likely won’t survive.

The most commonly used supports for climbers and ramblers is a simple fence. They can easily be trained to drape over the top. This turns even the ugliest fence into a showstopper. If the fence you use happens to be a chain link type, you get the added bonus of increased air circulation, which all roses need and love.

Pillars, like those found on the porches of old homes, are also a great support for roses and again, extremely decorative. Smaller climbers can be trained to grow on small structures such as deck supports and mailboxes.

Various structures can also be found in nurseries and home centers. There are trellises, arches, pergolas, and more. You can also buy simple polls and make your own! Use thorn free varieties of roses in areas where people pass by or children/pets play.

If you want to cover a wall, attach a trellis or large piece of chicken wire cut to size to it first, making sure to leave enough space for proper air circulation, then carefully tie the canes to it.

Climbing and rambling rose supports can add structure and focal points to your garden, hide ugly areas and create beautiful hideaways. If you plan carefully and train properly, you will enjoy your climbers and ramblers for many years to come.