Climbers can be trained to scale up and over gazebos, trellises, arbors, fences, and walls, softening the appearance of otherwise plain wood, metal, or stone structure. A vining or climbing rose also serves as a focal point wherever you plant it, providing eye-catching flower color and sense-tingling fragrance. Here are 10 climbing roses that promise both stunning looks and an unmistakable perfume. For the best blooms, feed this rose twice year, once in spring and once in summer. Prune it just once, in winter.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 10Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-drained; type is not important
Prune ‘American Beauty’ in the spring to remove dead wood from the canes (also trim to prevent crossing canes). Shorten healthy canes by 1/3 of their overall length; shorten them a bit more if you live in a cold climate.
USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 9bSun Exposure: Full sun; tolerates some shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained, moderately moist, sandy to loamy
This romantic rose plant blooms only once, in late spring or early summer, and needs just a single feeding in spring. It tolerates some shade and can grow in north-facing sites.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained, evenly moist
This climbing rose can bloom for a very long time, often throughout the growing season. Keep it blooming brightly by planting it where it gets 6 hours of sun each day.
USDA Growing Zones: 6b to 9bSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained, sandy to clay
Michael Davis / Getty Images This woody vine is not bothered by polluted urban air and can live for decades with the right care. As with most roses, it blooms best and is most resistant to disease when grown in full sun.
USDA Growing Zones: 6a to 9bSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-drained, loamy, slightly acid
‘Iceberg’ is known to be somewhat prone to black spot, which results from high humidity and poor air circulation. Ensuring good airflow through the plant is the best defense.
USDA Growing Zones: 4b to 9bSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Part of what make the ‘Peace’ rose so popular is its versatility. It works well in containers, hedges, borders, beds, and mass plantings.
USDA Growing Zones: 6b to 9bSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained, slightly acid
To make the most of this rose’s repeat blooms, wait until the plant is at least two years old, and begin pruning in late winter, while it is still dormant. Deadhead throughout the growing season, but stop in late summer, so as not to encourage new growth that can be damaged by frost.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
It’s best to enjoy this rose’s flowers “on the vine;” the blooms aren’t the best as cut flowers.
USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 10bSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, fertile, well-drained
You can prune this climber lightly in late fall or early winter (depending on the climate) to help protect it from wind, but save any significant pruning (removing crossed canes, shaping, etc.) for spring.
USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 9bSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moderately fertile, well-drained, moist
