The best climbing roses have a wild side. Consider the one in my backyard. It covers a large crab apple tree that I disdain but for one attribute: it is the best “trellis” around.
I am probably committing some horrible gardening offense by letting the rose take over. But the wildness of climbing roses and ramblers is what makes them magic. Here are seven of our favorite varieties to consider:
1. Eden
Above: If you want a vigorous, scented pink climber, consider Eden; in a one-gallon pot, it is $45 from Heirloom Roses. Photograph by YourPinnie.de via Flickr.
2. New Dawn
Above: The prolific pink grower in my garden is the New Dawn Climbing Rose. A fragrant climbing classic that is the forerunner of the modern climbing rose; $28 at White Flower Farm. Photograph by Justine Hand.
3. Renae
Above: For a similar variety without the wicked thorns, consider the Renae – Climbing Roses; $25.45 per pot at Rose Sales Online.
4. Mme. Alfred Carriere
Above: A tough climbing rose that can survive many climates (even the San Francisco fog), the Mme. Alfred Carriere Climbing Rose has very fragrant white informal-shaped blooms. Available for $27.50 from David Austin Roses. Photograph by Janet Hall.
5. Zephirine Drouhin
Above: The nearly thornless Zéphirine Drouhin Climbing Rose is Michelle’s favorite and offers fragrant old-fashioned blooms in a bright cerise pink; $45 for a one-gallon pot at Heirloom Roses. Photograph by Erin Boyle.
6. Kew Rambler
Above: The fragrant Kew Rambler offers single apple blossom-like blooms; €20.95 at David Austin. Photograph by Janet Hall.
7. Ballerina
Above: I love the delicate small foliage and blossoms of the Ballerina Climbing Rose. Good for hedging, it is available for $45 at Heirloom Roses. Photograph by Janet Hall.
For more of our favorite garden roses, see:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Best Fragrant Garden Roses.
- Nursery Visit: David Austin Roses in Shropshire.
- Design Sleuth: 7 Sources for Brooklyn’s Best Roses.
- A Rose for All Regions: 5 Best Roses to Plant in the Northeast, in Texas, and in Northern California.