Introducing...
Climbing roses
Climbing roses (Rosa) are usually vigorous, and often bear scented blooms. Many repeat-flower from early summer into autumn. They are great for bringing a vertical accent to the garden - covering walls and fences, or growing over pergolas and arches. Less vigorous forms, such as Shrub roses grown as climbers, are ideal for growing up obelisks (tripod supports) in your borders.
Looks
Long, vigorous thorny stems (thornless in a few cases) are covered in large, often richly scented flowers, held singly or in small clusters. Many flower over a long period in summer and autumn, making a spectacular display.
Likes
Climbing roses need fertile soil, ideally improved with a mulch of well-rotted manure, in sun or light shade. Several are suitable for north-facing walls, pillars and fences. They appreciate generous watering in summer.
Dislikes
Climbing roses don't like waterlogged or very dry, poor soils. If they are planted close beside a wall (where there is usually a rain shadow) the soil will often dry out in summer, likely reducing late-season flowering and encouraging fungal diseases. Water these climbers regularly to avoid this.
Did you know?
Some Climbing roses are climbing forms (known as sports) of shrub or bush roses. 'Climbing Cecile Brunner' and 'Climbing Iceberg' are examples. For the best flowering, tie the stems of climbing roses to wires so they are as close to horizontal as possible, rather than growing upwards. Lots of flower-bearing side shoots will form.
Growing guide
How to grow roses
All the information you'll need to grow & care for roses in your garden.
Climbing roses we recommend
Rosa 'Constance Spry' (ClS)
rose 'Constance Spry'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Rosa 'Climbing Iceberg' (ClF)
rose 'Climbing Iceberg'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Rosa 'Constance Spry' (ClS)
rose 'Constance Spry'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Rosa 'Climbing Iceberg' (ClF)
rose 'Climbing Iceberg'
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Useful advice
How to plant a climber
How to tie-in climbers
Rose black spot
Rose pruning: climbing roses
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.