There’s no need to tie in any new canes unless you decide you need a new one to fill in any empty space. You can also start a new cane if an existing one dies. Otherwise, cut back any new canes that try to join the party.
Cultivars to Select
There are many excellent cultivars out there that you can find at local nurseries or online. It never hurts to reach out to your local rose society as well, because they can point you in the right direction in terms of what will work well in your climate.
The following are good choices for just about any region:
Don Juan
As alluring as its namesake, this hybrid tea climber has bright red, full blossoms with a classic rose fragrance. It’s hardy, disease-resistant, and a vigorous grower with a repeat display that lasts all summer.
‘Don Juan’
Pick up one in a three-gallon container at Fast Growing Trees.
Joseph’s Coat
‘Joseph’s Coat’ never fails to draw comments. Truly a blossom cloaked in many colors, this floribunda has large, fruity-smelling flowers with pink, yellow, and salmon petals. The flowers appear repeatedly in clusters throughout the growing season.
‘Joseph’s Coat’
While this cultivar is moderately susceptible to fungal diseases, it’s vigorous and hardy enough to withstand even the freezing winters in Zone 4.
Grab a live plant in a gallon container at Amazon.
Strawberry Hill
One of my favorites in my own garden, I have this David Austin rose growing in a large container against a wall and it garners compliments from everyone who sees it.
It stays fairly petite at under 10 feet tall, and is covered head to toe in classic pink fully double flowers that smell like myrrh and honey. From spring until fall, new blooms pop up constantly for a reliable display.
Westerland
For something more disease resistant, look to the bright apricot flowers of ‘Westerland.’ From famed breeder Reimer Kordes, the huge five-inch double blooms are produced in large clusters and flower repeatedly throughout the entire summer.
‘Westerland’
‘Westerland’ has a pleasing, spicy fragrance and is extremely vigorous. Protect this one from late spring frosts and you’ll be treated to an ongoing, vibrant display.
Nature Hills Nursery has this excellent option in #2 containers.
Zephrine Drouhin
‘Zephrine Drouhin’ is a classic. This thornless Bourbon rose has been around since 1868, and when gardeners mention their favorites, this one consistently tops the list. When it is healthy and happy, this cultivar is incomparable.
With diligent deadheading, it’s positively smothered all summer in massive, deep pink, full flowers with a heady damask fragrance. A little bit of shade won’t impact the display one bit, either.
‘Zephrine Drouhin’
The drawback is that it’s susceptible to black spot and powdery mildew. But don’t let that put you off. This one is definitely worth having around.
If you agree, pick up a #3 container at Nature Hills Nursery.
Climb to Greater Heights
Training a climbing rose isn’t a challenging job once you have your support element in place and a plan of action. In fact, the hardest part is trying to avoid being cut to ribbons by those prickles – unless you’ve picked a thornless cultivar!
What are you encouraging your roses to climb? What cultivar are you growing? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you’re looking to take your rose garden to the next level, we can help. These guides might be just what you’re looking for: