Are you a fan of roses in your garden? Who isn’t?! They’re at once a timeless statement of taste and an effective expression of elegance that fits into any outdoor space seamlessly. One of the best things about roses is that there are so many varieties to choose from, all offering much of the same appeal with distinct additional features. Climbing roses, especially, are a visually striking, unique choice for any garden.
This rose variety is one of the best climbing plants on the market, but how does it compare to more traditional roses? This blog will share facts and notes about the differences between climbing roses and other, more standard varieties so you can feel more confident picking one or the other for your garden.
Growth habit and structure differences
One of the most significant differences between standard rose varieties and climbing rose plants is how they tend to grow. The former generally grows in compact, self-supporting habits, while the latter comes to life in the form of long, vigorous canes that reach significant lengths (6-12 feet or even more). Traditional roses will come in various shrub shapes and sizes.
This is because climbing roses don’t have any tendrils or suckers, meaning they require structure for support – being a great addition to walls, fences, pergolas, arches and trellises. The growth habit means the best climbing roses can also be trained in specific directions and patterns.
Space requirements
With garden sizes differing across the country, it’s important to consider how different roses would fit into the equation. Climbing options are a great choice for smaller gardens with some vertical features, adding a sense of visual interest without taking up as much square footage on the floor. They can also be used to enhance privacy and aesthetic appeal on fences and gates.
On the other hand, traditional ground roses might require significant amounts more ground space. Albeit, there are potted, smaller options available for patios and smaller spaces should that be your choice.
Support and training requirements
While you might buy climbing roses with the intention to train them, it’s not something that can be achieved without a decent amount of effort put in. You need to tie canes to support structures throughout the plant’s growth. It takes some time, but horizontal and angled training will promote the development of flowering and flower-bearing side shoots.
Traditional roses don’t need structural support in the same way that climbing varieties do. They might need some staking if your garden is particularly windy, or if you’re looking to maintain a specific shape. There are basically no training options or requirements
Pruning different forms of roses
Pruning climbing roses and traditional roses can be significantly different processes, with fairly distinct purposes. For climbing varieties, pruning is about maintaining a strong, sustainable framework across the main canes, while encouraging more flowering across side shoots. They should be pruned slightly more conservatively, with too much removal reducing flowering (even from older wood!)
Traditional rose bushes have varying pruning requirements, depending on the specific species in question. In general, the process is about encouraging new growth and maintaining shape by removing old, unproductive wood from the base.
How to pick?
The choice between climbing roses and traditional varieties hinges on a few core factors:
- The space availability in your garden
- Whether you have any vertical structures or supports available
- Your desired aesthetic/practical plant uses with the roses
- The level of maintenance you’re willing to undertake
And also, why not both? If you love roses, there are plenty of beautiful ways to integrate them into your garden. Just make sure to find a good supplier as this will ensure you’re always starting with the right standard of product!