How to Use Climbing Roses in Garden Design

Climbing roses are easy to plant yourself if you follow simple guidelines and use high-quality planting material. The key is to choose the right time and the ideal location to ensure the plants thrive and bloom profusely for a long period.

Choosing a location

This aspect deserves careful consideration, considering both its practical and aesthetic aspects. Climbing roses are striking and occupy a central place in landscape design. When choosing, keep in mind:

1. The planting site should be moderately shaded. Ideally, it should receive full sun for most of the day, as this will ensure abundant flower bud production.
2. The location should be well-ventilated to prevent moisture from stagnating on the plants. If water doesn't evaporate quickly, the risk of fungal diseases increases significantly.
3. Consider the size of the mature plant. Climbing roses can reach up to 4 meters in height, so they require plenty of space to grow and develop properly.
4. It's recommended to install a trellis or pergola to support the vines and encourage them to grow in the desired direction. You can also build an arch or canopy to provide a shady spot for relaxing in the summer. Another option is to enhance unsightly walls, fences, and other structures that need to be hidden.

If you're planting more than one variety, it's best to plan ahead for optimal arrangements to create an attractive garden. It's not recommended to plant more than three varieties in a single group.

Landing

The best time to carry out the work is in the fall or spring, when the average daily temperature is between 1 and 7°C. This period is ideal for the seedlings to acclimate to their new location. If using seeds, sow them according to the instructions on the packaging. Procedure:

1. Select high-quality planting material.
2. Prepare the planting area a few days beforehand. Dig the soil thoroughly and remove all weeds.
3. Dig a hole 50 cm in diameter and 50 to 60 cm deep. Place a drainage layer of crushed stone or broken brick on the bottom, then add a small amount of river sand on top. Then fill the hole with a nutrient-rich mixture of humus and soil.
4. Space plants 40 to 50 cm apart to prevent them from becoming too dense as they grow. If the label recommends larger spacing, it's best to follow the planting material seller's recommendations.
5. Inspect the root zone of the seedlings. Trim long roots to 25-35 cm, and remove any damaged shoots. If there are any cuts, they should be refreshed. It's best to soak the planting material in warm water for several hours to ensure the root zone is well hydrated.
6. Make a hole the same diameter as the root ball. Position the rose so that the grafting point is 10-15 cm below ground level. Spread the roots evenly in all directions, then cover them with soil.
7. Compact the surface, leaving a small depression around the trunk. Water generously: at least 5 liters of water per plant.

If the sun shines brightly during the first few days after planting, it's advisable to shade the roses with agrotextile or other material. After the first watering, loosen the soil around the trunk and mulch it with peat or another material to reduce moisture evaporation. Water as the soil dries.

How to care

To ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms, plants need proper care. The process isn't complicated; the key is to complete all the steps described on time and monitor the condition of your climbing roses:

1. Water 1-2 times a week with plenty of water, preferably settled beforehand. Watering frequency depends on the air temperature and rainfall.
2. Loosen the soil around the stem 2-3 times a week. The surface should be light and well-drained. To avoid this chore, you can mulch the area around the tree trunk.
3. Conduct preventative treatments against fungal diseases at the beginning and end of the season. Inspect plants regularly, and use specialized pest control products if pests or disease outbreaks appear.
4. Fertilize 2-3 times per season with a complex fertilizer. Apply it to the soil and loosen the surface.
5. Prune all damaged and dried branches in the spring. Also, shape the plant during this period.

If winter temperatures in your region drop below -10°C, the plants should be removed from the trellis and covered annually. It's best to lay pine branches on the ground and cover the vines with pine needles. Cover with roofing felt or another waterproof material.

Even a novice gardener can manage planting climbing roses. The key is to choose a good location, prepare the soil, and provide optimal conditions for the plants' growth and development. It's recommended to tie them to a trellis, establishing the desired growth direction.