A climbing rose is a wonderful addition to any garden.  They put on a stunning show with an abundance of blooms that captures everyone’s attention. 

Climbers are very versatile as they can cover an archway entrance, climb up trees, twine around a pergola or blocking an unsightly shed.

Nahema Climber from the Delbard collection (pictured on right) is a very popular choice.  

She is nearly thornless which makes her the perfect solution for high traffic areas including archways and entrances.  

The pretty pale china blooms have a strong fruity fragrance that reaches heights of 3m.

You may have a tree that could use some decoration.  Kiftsgate Climber and Meg Climber are perfectly designed with their hook thorns to climb and weave throughout tree limbs.  

Kiftsgate is possibly the biggest rambler in the world with a record of the rose reaching 3 stories high and loaded with blooms.  

Rambling roses do not need any attention – just let them go (make sure you have the space).

Moderate climbers can give height variation in your garden when trained on pillars or tripods.  

David Austin’s Bathshebais a 2021 new release and has impressed us with a stunning soft apricot-pink-yellow blended rose and disease resistant foliage.  

Relax in your garden with the scent of myrrh and hints of honey and tea.

For a contrast rose against a white cottage seek a strong colour such as Florentina who has a large rich red double flower against lush shiny green foliage.  Kordes roses are renowned for their disease resistance.

How do I prune a Climber?

Let the climber establish for the first three years and only prune thin, diseased and crossing branches.  While the canes are young, place horizontal along your trellis or wire and secure with soft twisty ties.  If you see a water shoot suddenly appear – do not remove as this is a critical part of your framework.  A water shoot is usually very thick, soft red wood and grows very quickly.  Check that the growth starts at the crown of the rose.  If the growth comes from beneath the crown or from out of the ground, you will need to remove, as it is likely root stock.  You need to slightly gouge the root stock branch from the trunk.

A very big root system

Climbers have bigger root systems that can reach 3 to 4m into the soil.  Make sure you deep water the rose so moisture reaches down to the roots.  Deep watering is leaving a sprinkler on the rose for 3 hours on established roses. Fertilise monthly with a granule organic fertiliser or fish based fertiliser and water in well.

Follow Brian's precious tips on how to have cut roses lasting longer in a vase.

• Make sure the soil around your rose plant is not too dry, if so water deeply 1 or 2 days before cutting flowers
• Cut flowers preferably in the morning
• Leave them in a 10L bucket filled with water up to the top, for half a day and in the shade
• Add sugar to keep the flowers fresh longer (from 1/4 to 1/2 cup dissolved in 10L water)
• Add 10 drops of bleach to stop bacteria from breeding
• Also breaking or removing thorns from the roses will extend the life of the flowers
• Then put the cut flowers in a vase filled with water up to the top
• Top up the vase with water daily

Your cut flowers will last longer and will fill your home with their colours and fragrance.

Hybrid Tea roses are the preferred cutting rose as they grow on long canes which is perfect for the vase.  

Some well known performers are The Children's Rose, Flamingo, Pope John Paull II, Heaven Scent, Firefighter, Mr Lincoln, Ashram, Violina, A Daughters Gift, Beautiful Girl, Elina, Our Vanilla and Spirit of Peace just to name a few. 

If you would like to add a rose or two to your current order, please don’t hesitate to send an email to, [email protected] or call Kelly during office hours on 08 8739 3321.

(Picture on right: Oklahoma)

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(Picture on right:  The Children's Rose)