What About Roses Called Climbers?

Some say roses aren't climbers by nature and must be taught.  Just think....a climber that can grow to forty feet up a tree, yes, it's possible!  If you prefer a smaller version, there is also the miniature climber to consider.  Any rose is beautiful, but you might say climbers have a farther "reach".

Suppose I give you an image flower lovers can appreciate?  Imagine a field such as seen under the warm California sunshine.  It's a grapevine field, with rows and rows to fill.  Now substitute the grapevines with climbing roses!  What a vision that would be to behold.

However, you must choose your climber with care, for some are only able to tolerate small amounts of sunshine and will bloom only with the proper amount of sunlight.  You'll need to keep it properly pruned for the better health of the plant.  It will need plenty of room to spread its spectacular beauty.  Some climbers grow taller and larger depending upon their climate.  You'll need access to the taller parts of the plant.  You may decide to shape it.

Some questions to consider are:  'how often will you want the climber to bloom', 'will you want a certain color theme among your climbers', 'would you need to treat it for bugs native to your area'.

A climber and a rambler are different types of rose plants.  Climbers need to be tied to a structure to maintain stability.  They have heavier vines, or canes if you will, than the rambler.  The rambler's vines are more flexible and must be trained to grow over an object.

As with many flowers, the best time to plant a climber is at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost or in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler, but not wintry.  You could start the plant indoors and then move it to the garden.  Build a teepee of wooden poles; make sure the height of the legs will suit your container; wind nylon wire or string in a criss-cross fashion around the poles to give the plant places to grab as it works its way up the poles.

An easy idea for use with climbers is a trellis, which is made with either lumber or plastic.  Although, personally, I would think the plastic surface would be harder for the plant to grab and hold.  You could substitute nylon netting in place of the string or wire. 

If you have little ones who want to help garden, you could buy popsicle sticks for them to glue together in lattice fashion for use with your climber.  If you are comfortable with the art work of a child, you could have he or she paint the container and put their own pictures and letting on it.  One idea that may be of interest to moms or grandmothers is to allow the child their own climbing garden area.  It would teach them the wonders of the rose on a level they could accept more readily.