Episode: #10 4/11/06
Presenter: Kim Syrus

If you want to add some vertical colour and interest to your garden then why not look at planting a climbing rose. There are so many varieties available to suit all types of gardens both big and small.

Kim takes a look at some great performers and the different ways you can best show them off.

When tying your climbing rose against a fence, fan out the canes as when the shoots are as horizontal as possible, they will bloom better. Avoid winding the canes through the fence or lattice, this will only make it harder to prune in winter and cause the plant problems.

A post and a few strands of wire will also be a great support to your climbing roses. Make sure the post is firm and the wires are tight. Then, it is simply a matter of tying the climbing canes along and waiting for the blooms to appear.

Climbing China Doll (Rosa, Modern Rosa, Modern Polyantha Climber, Cluster-Flowered, ?China Doll?) is one of a number of Climbing miniature varieties. This rose is easy to maintain and ideal on arches. It?s even thornless!

A new release that is already creating a huge impact is the Red Pierre de Ronsard (Rosa, Modern Rosa, Modern Polyantha Climber, Large-Flowered, ?Red Pierre De Ronsard?) is suitable for planting on a trellis, fence or pillar. This versatile climber, with its fragrant raspberry red blooms, will flower continuously and look absolutely stunning.

Don?t worry about cutting back any canes that are growing where they shouldn?t. Trimming back a stem or cutting off the end growth will help to promote more flowers and vigour in the remaining plant.

Climbing Lorraine Lee (Rosa, Old Rose, Old Climbing Tea, ?Lorraine Lee?) is spectacular. A very early flowerer, its salmon pink blooms begin in mid August and continue well into spring and beyond. Climbing Blue Moon (Rosa, Modern Rose, Modern Climber, Large-flowered, ?Blue Moon?) is always popular for those looking for a touch of mauve in the garden. These large blooms are not only beautifully formed but highly perfumed as well.

One of the best yellow climbers has got to be Climbing Gold Bunny (Rosa, Modern Rose, Modern Climber, Cluster-flowered, ?Gold Bunny?) is incredibly tough and equally colourful. It will brighten any back or front yard.

Why not look at a column of colour in your garden. A simple, low cost way is to put a post in the ground, and plant your climbing rose. As canes grow, just tie them together around the pole. Alternatively, a stand alone climbing frame will keep your rose neatly contained and blooming from tip to toe.

Brighten your garden with a climbing rose, there is a huge range of colours and styles available. Take a visit to your local garden centre or rose specialist, like Corporate Roses at Myponga, and check out what is ready to plant right now.

Corporate Roses
PO BOX 4 Myponga South Australia 5202
Phone: (08) 8558 6055
Fax: (08) 8558 6095
Email: admin@corporateroses.com.au