Quck answer
Taking care of climbing roses requires attention to pruning, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Pruning should be done in early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth. Watering should be done deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilizing should be done in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced rose fertilizer. Regular pest control measures, such as removing aphids or spraying with an organic insecticide, should be taken to prevent damage to the roses. Additionally, providing support for the climbing roses to grow on and regular monitoring for diseases will help ensure their health and beauty.
If you want to add height and dimension to your yard or flower garden, learning how to care for climbing roses (Rosa spp.) is a great idea. Climbing roses are usually easier to care for and more vigorous compared to other types of roses. However, it’s important to note that caring for climbing roses is slightly different from caring for other roses, although some requirements may be similar.
Things You’ll Need
- Rose fertilizer
- Water
- Mulch
- Trellis or similar structure
- String or soft cloth
- Pruning shears
How to Care for Climbing Roses
Step 1: Select a Sunny Location
Choose a spot for planting climbing roses that receives ample sunlight. While some climbers can tolerate partial shade, most of them require direct sun. Lighter-colored climbing roses are generally more shade-tolerant than darker ones.
Step 2: Improve the Soil
Enhance clay or sandy soils by adding compost, manure, mulch, or peat moss. Alternatively, plant the roses in an area with rich, loamy soil that drains well.
Step 3: Mulch Around the Climbing Roses
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, pine needles, buckwheat hulls, ground corn cobs, peat moss, wood chips, shredded bark, cottonseed hulls, chopped leaves, peat nuggets, or grass clippings, to the soil. This will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Mulch in early spring while the rose bush is dormant.
Step 4: Water the Climbing Roses
If necessary, water climbing roses to ensure they receive at least 1 inch of water per week. If planted in sandy soil, they may require 2 inches of water. Water in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Step 5: Fertilize the Plants
In the spring, after pruning, fertilize the climbing roses with a dry, commercial rose fertilizer that contains slow-release nitrogen. Apply approximately 1/2 cup of fertilizer to the soil, or follow the instructions on the label if they differ from this recommendation. During the summer, use a diluted liquid fertilizer (50 percent strength) as a foliar spray, following the label directions, until six weeks before the expected first frost.
Step 6: Install a Support Structure
Provide support for climbing roses by tying the canes to a trellis, frame, or similar structure. Use string, soft cloth, or plastic to loosely secure the canes. Unlike vines, climbing roses do not have tendrils or suckers, so they need external support to grow vigorously. If possible, encourage the roses to grow horizontally first and then vertically, as this will result in more flowers.
Step 7: Prune the Climbing Roses
Prune climbing roses once they are at least 3 to 4 years old. In the spring, remove any dead wood, weak canes, and any canes that are overcrowding or crossing. Pruning is typically required every other year, although hardy climbers can be pruned annually. The goal of pruning is to maintain the roses within the desired area and ensure that only strong canes remain, rather than restricting their growth. Use sharp and clean pruning shears, making slanting cuts about 1/4 inch above a growth bud.
Step 8: Remove Spent Flowers
Remove spent flowers by deadheading. Cut back the stem to a 5-leaf leaflet.
Step 9: Winterizing Your Climbing Roses
If you reside in a region with regular freezing temperatures, it is essential to provide winter protection for your climbing roses. To ensure optimal results, detach the canes from their support and bury them in soil. If removal is not feasible, securely tie the canes and shield them with a burlap screen or a comparable material. Additionally, remember to cover the plant’s base with soil or mulch.
