Gardening with Tree Roses

by Will Funk photos by Gene Sasse

Modern climbing roses have greatly improved from the ones you remember in your grandmother’s garden.  Sure the old favorites are available but new varieties of climbers are raising the bar, or in this case trellis, with great new colors and prolific blooming characteristics.   

“When people plant climbers they want color,” notes Tom Carruth, Director of Research for Weeks Roses.  And he has given us color including the AARS winning Fourth of July.  This red and white striped, free flowering climber erupts in clusters of long-lasting blooms and reblooms even in the first season.  Fourth of July was the first climbing rose to be recognized by the AARS committee in over 20 years! 

Over 60 unique roses (including 25 All-America Rose Selections winners) are found gracing the tops of Weeks 36” rose trees.  These trees are a perfect size to add height above annual or perennial gardens.  Six new roses are available this year including the scarlet-white bi-colored blossoms of Topsy Turvy.  The whirling clusters of flowers bloom early and are quick to repeat. 

Another great red repeat bloomer is All Ablaze, with its medium cherry red clusters and pure green foliage.  On the lighter side, the pink and white striped bouquets of Berries ‘n’ Cream will pour over your landscape in a delicious swirl of color. 

But climbers aren’t only about reds and pinks anymore; Night Owl is sure to turn heads in the very first season with large, deep claret wine colored flowers highlighted by contrasting bright yellow stamens.  This unusual color for a climber, introduced this year, is one of the ways Carruth is changing how we look at climbers.  The deep, sultry color holds until the end on its long canes.  

Yellow is also “in” for climbers.  Sky’s the Limit, also introduced this year, will create a buttery yellow horizon for your landscape.  Another repeat bloomer, clusters of medium sized, its ruffled blooms fill the air.  For a mixture of ever-changing colors consider the dazzling single blossoms of Flutterbye.  With a rainbow of hues ranging from yellow to corals to pinks this climber in constantly changing her colors. 

Don’t forget about a miniature climber, such as Valentine’s Day for small areas.  This disease resistant, velvet red flowering rose grows canes six to ten feet in length. 

Climbing roses make a great addition to the landscape.  By training these beauties on a trellis or over an arbor you can paint a large area of color in a location that may otherwise be lifeless.  With many new varieties featuring vigorous growth and dripping with color throughout the season you don’t need to wait for years for an outstanding performance.