With a widespread distribution in North America, the climbing rose is a medium-sized shrub that can climb through its hooked thorns. Thus, its common name is Climbing rose, as it needs support and is excellent to plant on fences and along highways. The light pink flowers attract wildlife such as birds, bees, and insects.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rosa setigera, commonly known as the climbing rose, prairie rose, and climbing wild rose, is a species of shrub or vine in the Rosaceae (rose) family native to central and eastern North America.
R. setigera has trailing or climbing slender stems that grow up to 5 meters (15 ft) long. The plant grows either as a vine or forms a sprawling thicket. In open areas, the stems will arch downward after reaching a height of about 1 meter (3 ft), and where they touch the ground they will root. In areas with vegetation or other structures, the stems will tend to climb. The stems are green or brown with a reddish tint and have curved prickles.
The leaves are alternate and compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets on each leaf. Each leaf is 8–12 centimeters (3.1–4.7 in) long, with leaflets that are 3–5 centimeters (1.2–2.0 in) long and 1.5–4 centimeters (0.6–1.6 in) wide. Leaflets are ovate, with serrate or doubly serrate margins.
The fragrant flowers, blooming May to July, are usually pink, occasionally white, and appear either singly or in groups, or panicles on stalks. Each flower, measuring about 8 centimeters (3 in) wide, has large petals and many stamens. The fruit appears later in the summer as bright red rose hips.
The flowers bloom in the spring to summer, with rose hips following later in the summer. Bees pollinate the flowers, and various other insects feed on the plant. Birds and mammals eat the hips. R. setigera is the larval host for several species of moths, including Paleacrita vernata (spring cankerworm), Stigmella rosaefoliella, and Coptotriche roseticola.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Roses do best in full sun. While they tolerate some shade, they will bloom more and grow denser and fuller when they receive at least four to six hours of direct sun each day. Choose a location that will accommodate the climber’s growth habits
Temperature and Humidity
Climbing roses prefer moderate temperatures between 50ºF and 80ºF. Regions with extended periods of harsh summer heat should plant climbing roses in an area with partial afternoon shade. Cover plants after the first frost to protect them from the cold. Roses thrive in relatively moderate humid environments.
Watering
Water consistently, especially during the first year when roots establish. Climbing roses prefer consistent, deep waterings in the mornings. Be mindful not to oversaturate the plants, making them susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil does not drain properly.
Soil
While roses can adapt to many soil types, they do best in rich, fertile, loamy soil with good drainage. Whether you have good soil or not, you can always enhance it by adding organic matter such as compost, mulch, or peat moss—This will improve drainage in heavy clay soils and increase water retention in sandy soils.
Fertilizing
Climbing rose favors fertile soil, so it’s best to apply fertilizer several times during the growing season, but only in small amounts each time. In the spring and summer, you can use liquid fertilizer twice a month and use slow-release fertilizer every two months. Add more nutrients for more lush plants and flowers. A slow-release organic fertilizer can be used in winter so the new shoot and buds in next year’s bloom will be lush; these flowers will be large and gorgeous.
If climbing rose is to be used for fresh-cut flowers, fertilize them 1-2 times a week during the florescence. Pay attention to the cultivation of branches with flowers. Cut off flower buds from weak branches of the plant to concentrate nutrients in the stronger ones. Additionally, a sprinkling of Mycorrhizal fungi (which is also sold as Root Grow) at the base of the plant will allow the beneficial fungi to form a symbiotic relationship with the root system, helping it to absorb nutrients and water.
Planting Instructions
If planting potted climbing rose in your garden, it’s best to find a suitable site with adequate sunlight, fertile soil, good drainage, and preferably a place that hasn’t been planted with any roses before. A field that previously grew roses may increase the probability of infection. Transplanting can be done in all seasons except winter.
First, dig a pit that is twice as big as the flower pot. Add a small amount of base fertilizer to the pit, and place the root system or root ball into the pit so that the root crown (where the aboveground part and the underground part connect) is at or slightly higher than the surface of the soil. Backfill and slowly compact the soil. A layer of organic mulch can be used to cover the soil surface for heat preservation of roots and also reduce the growth of weeds. Water thoroughly after transplanting and water often in the first week to avoid wilting caused by a lack of water.
If transplanting climbing rose from one part of the garden to another, do it in fall to avoid the cold of winter. Water the plants three days before transplanting; this makes it easy to dig up and retain the root balls. Then, trim off the overlong branches and excessive leaves, leaving 3-4 branches per plant to reduce excessive consumption of nutrients and ensure its survival. Prune any unhealthy roots left after being dug up.
If a bare-root rose cannot be immediately planted after purchase, it can simply be placed into a pit and covered with soil. If it has already gone without water for some time, it’s better to soak its roots in water for half an hour before planting to help it recover. It is recommended to plant bare-root roses in gardens in the fall.
Pruning
Climbing rose has a strong sprouting ability and grows luxuriantly. Without proper, timely pruning, it will attract diseases and pests in hot, humid, insufficiently lit, or poorly ventilated conditions. After the first bloom, the plant should be slightly pruned. Promptly cut off faded flowers and thin, overlapping branches, leaving only young and strong branches. During winter dormancy, careful pruning is recommended.
For vines, keep main branches at 2 to 3 m long and cut off the rest. For bush plants, cut 1.02 cm above full buds, prune the whole plant to 1/3 of its original height, and leave 4-6 thicker branches while ensuring that the overall shape of the plant meets your desired appearance.
Propagation
Propagate climbing roses by taking stem cuttings from blooms at least four to six inches in diameter in early autumn after the flowers have faded. Here’s how to propagate climbing roses from cuttings:
- Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to cut a six-to-eight-inch stem cutting from a healthy plant. Cut at a 45-degree angle to help the plant to absorb moisture.
- Remove all but the top set of leaves. Remove the outer bark from the angled-edge side of the cutting with a sharp knife. Avoid cutting into the stem.
- Fill containers with damp potting soil. Use your hands or a pencil to create a hole in the center of the soil about three inches deep.
- Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone, if preferred, and plant the angeled-edge side of the cutting into the potting soil. Lightly pack the soil around the cutting.
- Place containers in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.
- After two sets of leaves emerge and roots develop—about two months—move the cuttings to a location with morning sun. Avoid placing the plant in harsh afternoon sun until more mature.
- The following spring, move the climbing rose plant to a final location. In dry climate regions, plant roses during the autumn after temperatures drop.
How to Grow Climbing Roses From Seed
Growing climbing roses from seeds requires patience, as plants might take three to five years to mature. Collect seeds by purchasing them at a nursery or after cutting rose hips. Here is how to grow climbing roses from seed:
- Rose seeds need cold stratification. After collecting, washing, and eliminating unviable seeds, place them on a moist paper towel or in planting mix inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- Keep seeds in cold storage for four to 10 weeks until germinating—The paper towel and soil should remain moist throughout the stratification.
- Remove seeds from the refrigerator and plant them in a seed-starting tray filled with moist potting soil—plant seeds about one-fourth inch deep.
- Maintain seeds in consistently moist potting soil—with equal parts mixture of peat or perlite.
- After seeds sprout three to four leaves—about six weeks—transplant to a large pot. Plants will appear a few inches tall. Continue transplanting to large containers when appropriate. Full maturity can take three to five years.
Overwintering
Prepare climbing roses for winter by deadheading spent blooms in late summer or early fall. Suspend fertilization in the fall to promote rose hip development. Additionally, clean up fallen branches at this time.
Winter protection, such as a burlap covering, should be applied after the first frost. Avoid pruning stems immediately before cold weather initiates, as the plant will not have sufficient time to callus over. In addition to covering plants, add a thick layer of compost, such as shredded leaves, near the plant’s base. Tie taller rose canes together with a loose twine. Remove winter protection in early spring to promote new growth. Use a string, such as a twine, to loosely tie taller rose canes of climbing roses together.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Climbing roses are relatively disease-resistant. However, these plants are still susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as black spots, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust, often caused by too much water, humidity, and heat.
Aphids, scales, whiteflies, and weevils are pests that occasionally attack climbing roses. Treat small or infrequent infestations by spraying plants with a garden hose, or if the issue persists, use insecticidal soap as directed. Prevent pests by maintaining a healthy plant with full sun exposure and plenty of air circulation and by removing dead or damaged branches.
Common Problems
While versatile climbing roses are spectacular additions to gardens, there are a few issues to know about to help promote better growth. Here’s what you should know about growing and caring for climbing roses:
Curling Leaves
Climbing roses cannot thrive in areas with sustained temperatures above 90°F. Extreme heat prevents climbing roses from absorbing nutrients and water. Avoid over-pruning to help care for plants and try planting in areas with afternoon shade. Additional coverings might be beneficial to provide artificial shade during harsh sun exposure.
Plant Leaves Falling Off
Climbing rose foliage will die back and fall off when over-fertilized. Additionally, too alkaline soils will discolor the plant’s foliage, turning it yellow or brown. Adding peat moss or mulch around the plant can help it retain the ideal nutrients and absorb moisture.
III. Types of Climbing Roses
Climbing roses are available in various colors, sizes, and shapes. These versatile and easy-to-grow and trained climbers add charm to any garden. Here are some varieties to know:
- ‘New Dawn’: This soft pink flower with glossy foliage produces clusters of sweetly fragrant roses growing up to 15 feet.
- ‘Russell’s Cottage Rose’: A deep crimson flower, fading to pink, with fragrant foliage that grows around 10 to 20 feet.
- ‘Sombreuil’: Large creamy white blooms that smell like a “Granny Smith” apple. Train this flower to climb a low wall, fence, or trellis.
- ‘Lady Banks’: A spring-blooming climbing rose available in yellow and white, this flower grows over 20 feet.
- ‘Iceberg’: White to pink blooms produce clusters of medium-sized flowers with glossy leaves and easy-to-train climbing growth.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Climbing rose produces excellent fresh flowers that can be pruned with sharp scissors as soon as they bloom. It is best to pick flowers in the morning to avoid loss of water through plant transpiration at noon. After picking, it is necessary to trim the base of the branch at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area. Quickly put the flower into a vase with clean water to avoid water loss.
Find Where to Buy the Best Climbing Prairie Rose (Rosa setigera)
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