Climbing roses come in different sizes ranging from miniatures, which reach 30-60 cm in height, to huge banksiae roses that grow to 4-6 meters or more. All these roses have to be guided in their climbing, because they don't do it naturally. Keep in mind that if they are not allowed to climb, they will expand on the ground. In order for your roses to climb, therefore, you will first have to build a trellis and then attach the rose branches to it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Trellis and Plant the Roses
Step 1. Build the trellis according to the size of the plants
Set up the trellis - or any other support structure - near the roses. The trellis must be large and sturdy enough to support climbing roses when they reach their maximum height. For a small climbing rose, a 60 to 150 cm high support will do.
- A larger rose such as banksiae will need a pergola, a gazebo or other sturdy structure.
- Once the climbing rose is in place, you will not be able to replace the trellis without seriously damaging the plant, so it is best to purchase or build a support that can last for decades.
Step 2. Set up the structure for the plants to climb
Place it about 45 cm from the roses if you have already planted them. If the support structure is a fence with the first guide horizontal a few inches from the ground, plant 2-3 30 cm stakes in the ground in front of the fence.
If the roses have not yet been planted, place the trellis where you prefer to see your plants grow
Step 3. Choose the type of climbing roses to plant
Two ideal types are Meiviolin and Eden. They grow fast and their large flowers add elegance to any garden.
- If you live in a difficult climate area or are new to rose growing, you may want to plant the New Dawn variety. It might be hard to find, but it resists just about anything.
- If you already have several roses in your garden and want something different, Madame Alfred Carrière is an excellent climber and produces wonderful blooms that remain well into the season. This type is ideal for large spaces, such as a large pergola.
Step 4. Prepare the rose holes
To begin, secure the trellis or fence and prepare a large hole, twice the size of the plant.
The hole must be just over 30 cm away from the trellis or fence, to allow air to circulate
Step 5. Plant the roses
Plant them paying close attention to how far the roots go into the soil. If you live in a warm climate, leave about 2 inches of soil above the roots. If you live in a cold climate, or where there can be severe winters, sink the roots 10-15 cm.
These depths are important to ensure the roots grow without being exposed. The more superficial soil helps to drain the water, reducing the risk of the roots rotting
Step 6. Water the roses
Water them well, without getting the leaves wet. Use fertilizer and bone meal to promote healthy growth. Roses like well-draining and fertile soils, so add organic substances such as compost or peat to the area.
Remember to keep the stems clean to avoid disease
Method 2 of 2: Fix the Branches
Step 1. Observe the stems of the roses
When they are long enough to reach the trellis, tie them to the support. Use sturdy twine or plastic tape. Hold each branch up against the support structure so that it can climb the trellis horizontally at a 45 degree angle.
Start climbing the plant by choosing the broadest, healthiest and strongest branches, and tie them to the trellis, so that they are well secured. Use a special ribbon to allow the string to expand as the branch grows
Step 2. Secure the branches on the back as well
Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the back of the tree, and loop it around the branch. Pass the other end through the structure and tie the string or ribbon on the back.
Step 3. Don't tie the branches too tight
Leave the twine loose enough for the branch to grow without constriction. Bend the tips of the branches so they are facing down, and tie them the same way. As the branches grow, repeat the process and loosen the lower strings if they have become too tight.
Tie the side shoots or stems that grow from the main branches in the same way, when they get too long. Tying the branches in this way will create a beautiful harmonious rose bush
Step 4. Prune the old branches when the plant is three years old
Pruning your rose can be done by untying the old greyish branches and cutting them off at the base. These old branches produce few, if any, roses and need to be cut to make room for the new branches.
As the new branches grow, tie them to the support structure as you did the old ones
Advice
- Cut dry or diseased branches every year. Tie the new branches to the trellis and fertilize the soil according to the instructions written on the package.
- Distribute the branches evenly throughout the trellis.
