Advice on Climbing Roses, Rambling Roses, Miniature and Patio Roses.

Climbing Roses

Climbing Roses and Rambling Roses are members of a vast range of ascending and scrambling roses. Some are descendants of the true climbing species, others are "sports" of bush roses. Several climbers are exceptionally vigorous and are suitable for growing through old trees and covering house walls.

They bear single and fragrant flowers 2.5 cms or more across. The flowers are carried in large clusters over a short period in June and July, sometimes with smaller flushes in the autumn.

Less vigorous Climbering Roses are suitable for the more confined spaces, eg growing over pillars, walls, pergolas and fences.

The plants were originally crossed with hybrid tea roses, which shows in the size and shape of the flowers which are 7 - 12 cms across.

Rambling Roses

Rambling Roses are more supple stemmed and suitable for training over pillars, arbours, and screens etc.

They are not suitable for growing against a wall as Rambling Roses need a lot of air circulation to prevent them from being covered in mildew. The plants bear semi-double 5cm wide flowers in large trusses during June and July.

The less vigorous Climbing Roses and Rambling Roses should be planted 1.5m - 1.8m apart.

Miniature and Patio Roses

Miniature and Patio Roses are usually bought in pots, and are the only roses that have to be grown from cuttings to keep their size in check.

Flowers are 1.5cms - 3.5cms across, semi-double or double and are borne in small clusters in June and July, with repeat flowering later in the season.

Miniature and Patio Roses require the same conditions as other types of roses i.e. fertile compost, good drainage, full sun, systematic but light pruning and regular feeding.

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