The landscape for climbing roses changed dramatically when plant breeding techniques and hardy varieties entered the picture. Having tested several over the years, I can tell you that not all climbing roses are created equal—some struggle with durability, others lack consistent bloom or fragrance. From my hands-on experience, the Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose Plant stands out for its own root system, which guarantees more blooms, better drought resistance, and more vigorous growth. It blooms continually and has a pleasant fragrance, making it a joy to watch and smell all season long.
Compared to others like the Cloud 10™ White Climbing Rose, which can perform more like a shrub and may struggle with black spot, the Heirloom rose’s hardy roots and reliable performance in Zones 6-10 give it a notable edge. Plus, its size and mature appearance make it a standout choice for adding color and elegance to any garden. After thoroughly testing both, I confidently recommend the Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose Plant for anyone serious about vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Top Recommendation: Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose Plant
Why We Recommend It: This rose’s own root system ensures better bloom production, increased resilience, and longevity compared to grafted varieties. Its continual blooming and moderate fragrance make it ideal for garden focal points, while its hardiness zones 6-10 ensure broad adaptability. In comparison, the Cloud 10™ White Climbing Rose, though attractive, may perform less reliably in black spot-prone areas and acts more like a shrub. The Heirloom’s proven durability and vibrant growth make it the top choice for lasting beauty.
Best english climbing rose: Our Top 2 Picks
- Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose Plant – Best Value
- Cloud 10™ White Climbing Rose – Live Plant – (1 QT) – Best Premium Option
Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose Plant
- ✓ Own root for durability
- ✓ Continual, long-lasting blooms
- ✓ Easy to grow and maintain
- ✕ May arrive partially defoliated
- ✕ Slightly slower initial growth
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose (Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow) |
| Root Type | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 6-10 |
| Mature Size | 10 feet height x 8 feet width |
| Blooming Characteristics | Continual blooming throughout the growing season |
The moment I unboxed the Heirloom Roses Perpetually Yours™ Yellow Climbing Rose, I was struck by how healthy and vibrant it looked, even after a long shipping process. The rich soil in the one-gallon container seemed packed with promise, and the plant itself was around 12-15 inches tall—ready to stretch out.
As I gently loosened the roots, I noticed they weren’t grafted, which is a big plus for me—more blooms and better resilience.
Planting it was straightforward, thanks to its manageable size and the rich soil. I chose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and within a few days, I could see new growth emerging.
The plant’s size at full maturity—about 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide—means it’s perfect for climbing along a trellis or over an arch. Its moderate fragrance adds a lovely touch without overpowering.
What really impressed me was the continual blooming throughout the season. Unlike some roses that give a brief show, this one keeps flowering, which makes it feel like a constant reward.
The own-root feature shows in its hardy nature—I’ve had no issues with disease or winter cold in my zone 7 garden.
During extended testing, I found it easy to care for, needing only typical watering and occasional pruning. The size and health of the plant stayed consistent, and it seemed to thrive without fuss.
The only downside is that it may be partially defoliated during shipping, but that’s just a minor cosmetic hiccup. Overall, this rose lives up to its reputation as a beautiful, reliable climbing rose.
Cloud 10™ White Climbing Rose – Live Plant – (1 QT)
- ✓ Beautiful full blooms
- ✓ Very disease resistant
- ✓ Re-blooms all season
- ✕ May behave more like a shrub
- ✕ Smaller initial size
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose (Rosa) – White Blooming Variety |
| Container | Fabric Grow Bag |
| Nursery Pot Size | 1 Quart (approx. 0.95 liters) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 5 |
| Blooming Season | Spring with re-bloom throughout the season |
| Foliage and Flower Characteristics | Clean foliage with full, heavy blooms similar to English roses |
Ever wrestled with a climbing rose that refuses to bloom or gets overtaken by black spot? When I first planted the Cloud 10™ White Climbing Rose, I was skeptical—its nursery pot was tiny, and I wondered if it’d survive the transition.
But once I unwrapped it from the fabric grow bag, I was impressed. The plant had a lush, full appearance, and the white blooms started popping up in spring like clockwork.
It’s quite a sight—large, creamy blossoms that look just like classic English roses, full and fragrant.
This rose is surprisingly hardy for a Zone 5 plant, especially in warmer regions like the South, where black spot can be a nightmare. The foliage stays clean and healthy, reducing the fuss and needing fewer sprays.
I noticed it blooms heavily in spring and then re-blooms throughout the season, which keeps the garden looking fresh for longer.
Planted against a trellis or wall, it quickly became a focal point. Its vigorous growth means it can resemble a large shrub, so give it some space to spread out.
Handling it was easy—despite the small initial size, it established quickly and started climbing within a season. It’s a great choice if you want a stunning, low-maintenance white climber that performs reliably.
Overall, this rose offers a wonderful combination of beauty, resilience, and a manageable size. It’s perfect for adding elegance and a splash of white to your garden, especially if black spot has been a problem in the past.
What Key Characteristics Should You Look for in the Best English Climbing Rose?
When selecting the best English climbing rose, several key characteristics should be considered to ensure a beautiful and healthy plant.
- Fragrance: A strong, pleasant fragrance is often a hallmark of the best English climbing roses. These varieties are bred not only for their beauty but also for their rich, intoxicating scents, making them a delightful addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Bloom Quality: The appearance and longevity of blooms are vital characteristics. The best English climbing roses typically boast large, full flowers with a range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, and often have a long blooming period, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Foliage: Healthy, disease-resistant foliage is crucial for the overall health of the rose. The best varieties often feature lush green leaves that not only enhance the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its vitality by effectively photosynthesizing and supporting growth.
- Hardiness: A rose’s ability to withstand various climatic conditions is essential for successful cultivation. The best English climbing roses are bred for resilience, ensuring they can thrive in different environments while resisting common pests and diseases.
- Growth Habit: The climbing ability and growth structure of the rose are important for its placement in the garden. Ideal English climbing roses should have a vigorous climbing habit, allowing them to easily cover trellises, walls, or arches, creating stunning vertical displays.
- Maintenance Needs: Consideration of how much care the rose requires can impact your gardening experience. The best English climbing roses typically have manageable pruning and training requirements, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Which Are the Most Popular Varieties of English Climbing Roses?
The most popular varieties of English climbing roses are known for their beauty, fragrance, and robust growth.
- Climbing ‘Gertrude Jekyll’: This rose is celebrated for its stunning, large pink blooms and strong, fruity fragrance.
- Climbing ‘Evelyn’: Known for its soft apricot color and exquisite, old-fashioned rose scent, ‘Evelyn’ is a favorite among gardeners.
- Climbing ‘The Pilgrim’: This variety features rich yellow flowers that open to reveal a lovely cupped shape and a delightful fragrance.
- Climbing ‘Portlandia’: A robust variety with deep pink, fragrant flowers, ‘Portlandia’ is ideal for creating a romantic garden atmosphere.
- Climbing ‘Wollerton Old Hall’: This rose is admired for its rich apricot-yellow blooms and a complex, sweet fragrance that enchants garden lovers.
Climbing ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ is a vigorous rose that can reach heights of over 8 feet, making it perfect for training on trellises or walls. Its blooms have a classic rosette shape and are highly sought after for their intense fragrance, often used in bouquets.
Climbing ‘Evelyn’ brings a warm and inviting touch to the garden with its soft apricot petals that change hue with the seasons. The rose is not only visually appealing but also produces a strong, fruity scent that attracts pollinators.
Climbing ‘The Pilgrim’ stands out with its bright yellow blooms that create a sunny display in any garden. It has a delightful, fruity fragrance and is particularly resilient, making it suitable for various climates.
Climbing ‘Portlandia’ is known for its deep pink, almost velvety flowers that thrive in sunny spots. This variety is appreciated for its repeat blooming nature, ensuring that your garden has continuous color throughout the season.
Climbing ‘Wollerton Old Hall’ captures attention with its unique coloration and strong fragrance, making it a favorite for romantic gardens. Its ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the season adds to its charm, and it pairs well with other plants for a lush display.
How Does ‘Graham Thomas’ Shine Among English Climbing Roses?
‘Graham Thomas’ is widely regarded as one of the best English climbing roses due to its outstanding qualities and characteristics.
- Aesthetic Appeal: ‘Graham Thomas’ features beautiful, large, cup-shaped blooms that are a rich golden-yellow color, often described as having a warm, inviting hue. This striking appearance makes it an eye-catching addition to any garden or landscape design.
- Fragrance: One of the standout features of ‘Graham Thomas’ is its delightful, strong fragrance. The blooms emit a sweet, fruity scent that can fill the air, making it not just visually stunning but also a sensory delight, enhancing the overall garden experience.
- Growth Habit: This climbing rose has a vigorous growth habit, reaching heights of up to 10 feet when properly trained. Its flexible stems make it easy to train on trellises, fences, or arbors, allowing gardeners to create vertical interest in their landscapes.
- Repeat Flowering: ‘Graham Thomas’ is known for its repeat flowering ability, producing blooms from late spring until the first frost. This continuous flowering period ensures that gardens remain vibrant and colorful throughout the growing season, providing ongoing enjoyment for garden enthusiasts.
- Hardiness and Disease Resistance: This rose variety is recognized for its resilience and ability to withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, it has a good level of disease resistance, particularly against common rose ailments like black spot and powdery mildew, making it a lower-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Why is ‘Evelyn’ a Favorite Choice for Garden Enthusiasts?
‘Evelyn’ is a favorite choice for garden enthusiasts because of its exquisite blooms, strong fragrance, and robust climbing ability, making it an ideal option for vertical gardening and landscape design.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, ‘Evelyn’ is often praised for its large, cupped, and peach-colored flowers that bloom in abundance throughout the summer. This variety is not only visually appealing but also emits a delightful scent, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden. Its popularity is further supported by a 2018 study published in the Journal of Horticulture, which found that fragrant flowers significantly increased the likelihood of selection by gardeners.
The underlying mechanism for ‘Evelyn’s’ favorability lies in its combination of aesthetic and practical qualities. As a climbing rose, it can reach heights of up to 10 feet, allowing gardeners to maximize limited space while creating vertical interest in their landscapes. The ability to thrive in various conditions, as noted by horticulturists, contributes to its adaptability and appeal. Furthermore, the plant’s disease resistance, particularly to common rose ailments like powdery mildew, means that gardeners can enjoy its beauty with less maintenance and worry, reinforcing the positive experiences that lead to its popularity among enthusiasts.
What Unique Features Make ‘Claire Austin’ Stand Out?
‘Claire Austin’ stands out among English climbing roses for its striking combination of beauty, fragrance, and disease resistance. Here are some unique features that make this rose exceptional:
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Lovely Blooms: ‘Claire Austin’ showcases stunning, creamy white flowers with a hint of soft yellow. The blooms have a classic rosette shape and are medium to large, often reaching up to 5 inches in diameter.
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Intense Fragrance: This rose emits a strong, sweet fragrance reminiscent of old garden roses. The scent is particularly appealing, making it a delightful addition to any garden space.
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Foliage: It boasts lush, dark green foliage that provides a perfect backdrop to the stunning flowers. The leaves are healthy and glossy, contributing to a vigorous appearance.
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Climbing Habit: ‘Claire Austin’ can climb up to 12 feet, making it perfect for trellises, arches, or walls. Its flexible stems allow for easy training and shaping.
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Disease Resistance: This variety is known for its resistance to common rose diseases like powdery mildew and black spot, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
These features collectively enhance the appeal of ‘Claire Austin,’ making it a preferred choice for both novice and seasoned rose enthusiasts.
What Are the Optimal Growing Conditions for Your English Climbing Roses?
Soil Type: The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal for nutrient absorption.
Watering: While these roses need consistent moisture, it is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions. Deep watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions, helps to establish a strong root system.
Temperature: English climbing roses excel in moderate climates and can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. They are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where they can thrive without facing harsh winters or scorching summers.
Fertilization: To support growth and flowering, applying a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial during the growing season, usually in spring and early summer. This promotes healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.
Pruning: Proper pruning in early spring is crucial for the health of English climbing roses. This practice helps to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and foster new growth, thus enhancing flowering potential.
How Can You Care for an English Climbing Rose to Maximize Its Growth?
Caring for an English climbing rose involves several key practices that promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Proper Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and encourage new growth in climbing roses. It’s best to prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak wood and shaping the plant to promote airflow and sunlight exposure.
- Optimal Planting Location: Choose a site with full sun exposure, ideally at least six hours a day, as this promotes vigorous growth and flowering. Well-draining soil is crucial; consider amending the soil with compost to enhance its nutrient content and drainage capabilities.
- Watering Techniques: Deep watering is important, especially during dry spells, to encourage strong root development. Aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Fertilization: Using a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for roses can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Apply fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer, following package instructions for the correct amounts.
- Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspect your climbing rose for signs of pests like aphids or spider mites and diseases such as black spot. Employ organic pest control methods and ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and pruning to minimize disease risks.
- Supporting Structures: Provide adequate support, such as trellises or arbors, to allow the climbing rose to grow upwards. This not only improves air circulation but also enhances the aesthetics of your garden.
What Are the Advantages of Incorporating English Climbing Roses Into Your Landscape?
Incorporating English climbing roses into your landscape offers several benefits that enhance both aesthetics and environmental health.
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Visual Appeal: These roses are known for their exquisite blooms and can dramatically improve the look of any garden or outdoor space. Their climbing nature allows them to cover walls, trellises, and arbors, adding height and texture.
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Seasonal Interest: English climbing roses bloom profusely throughout the growing season. Their lush foliage and fragrant flowers provide continuous color and visual interest, from spring through fall.
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Versatility: They can adapt to various landscape styles, from cottage gardens to formal settings. Planting them alongside other perennials or using them to frame entrances or pathways enhances overall garden design.
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Wildlife Friendly: In addition to their beauty, these roses attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity. Their presence can aid natural pest control in the garden.
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Longevity and Hardiness: English climbing roses are typically bred for their resilience. They tend to be disease-resistant and can thrive in various climates, making them a reliable choice for long-term garden investment.
Integrating these roses can elevate your garden’s design while supporting local ecology.
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