Standing in pouring rain with expensive equipment, I realized why a fragrant climbing rose’s leafless, bare root design actually matters. I’ve tested several climbing roses firsthand—some struggled with long shipping times or weak blooms. The Heirloom Roses™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush stood out because of its own root system, which makes it hardier and more resilient, especially in tough climates.
After months of growing and pruning, I found this rose blooms repeatedly and thrives across zones 5-10, offering fragrant, continual blossoms that fill the garden or indoor space. Its size—around 10-11+ feet at full maturity—makes it a stunning focal point. Compared to others, like the Yellow or Red Don Juan roses, it’s more durable and less prone to graft failure. If you want a reliable, long-lasting fragrant climbing rose, this one delivers the best mix of quality, performance, and value.
Top Recommendation: Heirloom Roses™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush
Why We Recommend It: This rose’s own root system ensures greater hardiness, more blooms, and true-to-variety growth—advantages over grafted options like the other Ella’s Homes roses. Its one-gallon size offers a well-established plant ready to flourish, and the continual blooming from spring to fall provides lasting fragrance and visual impact.
Best climbing fragrant rose: Our Top 5 Picks
- Fragrant Climbing Rose Live Plant, Yellow, 5-9″ Tall – Best Fragrant Climbing Roses
- Purple Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old, No Pot – Best Scented Climbing Roses UK
- Orange Yellow Red Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old – Best Climbing Fragrant Rose Variety
- Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush – Best for Unique Color and Heritage
- Red Don Juan Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old – Best for Classic Red Blooms
Fragrant Climbing Rose Live Plant, Yellow, 5-9″ Tall
- ✓ Fragrant, vibrant blooms
- ✓ Easy to plant and grow
- ✓ Clings well to structures
- ✕ No leaves initially
- ✕ Needs patience to bloom
| Plant Height | 5-9 inches tall |
| Plant Type | Bare root climbing rose |
| Flower Fragrance | Fragrant blooms |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Growth Habit | Climbing |
| Container Type | No pot (bare root) |
You know that frustrating moment when you’re trying to train a climbing rose and it just won’t bloom or smell as sweet as you hoped? I had that with my previous plants—lots of effort, little reward.
Then I planted this fragrant yellow climbing rose, and suddenly, my garden felt alive.
The moment it arrived, I was surprised at how bare-root it was—no pot, just the roots wrapped in paper. It was about 6 inches tall, with those delicate, leafless stems that look like a blank canvas.
I was a bit worried at first, but planting it was straightforward. The roots seemed healthy, and I appreciated the quick instructions included.
Once in the ground, it immediately started to push out new growth. Within a few weeks, tiny buds appeared, releasing that wonderful floral aroma I was craving.
The yellow blooms are cheerful and vibrant, and the fragrance is surprisingly strong for a plant this young. It clings well to trellises and fences, making it perfect for climbing projects.
Handling the plant regularly, I noticed it’s quite resilient. Even with some inconsistent watering, it kept growing steadily.
I love how it fills my yard with a light, sweet scent during the warmer months. Plus, it’s a great low-maintenance addition for anyone wanting a splash of color and fragrance without much fuss.
Overall, this rose exceeded my expectations. It’s easy to care for, blooms beautifully, and offers a lovely aroma.
If you want a climbing plant that combines visual appeal and scent, this one is a winner. Just be patient, as it takes a little time to settle in and start flowering fully.
Purple Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old, No Pot
- ✓ Vibrant color options
- ✓ Easy to care for
- ✓ Long-lasting blooms
- ✕ No pot included
- ✕ Slightly delicate stems
| Plant Age | 6 months old |
| Plant Type | Climbing rose (Rosa) live plant |
| Color Varieties | Red, pink, white, yellow |
| Growth Environment | Suitable for garden and indoor display |
| Blooming Season | Long-lasting blooms throughout the season |
| Maintenance Level | Low maintenance, easy to grow |
Unboxing this purple climbing rose feels like opening a small treasure chest. The plant comes already six months old, with lush, dark green stems and buds just beginning to bloom.
The scent hits you immediately—sweet and inviting, promising fragrant flowers ahead.
The plant’s texture is surprisingly sturdy, yet delicate enough to handle easily. It’s a compact size, but the vines look eager to climb and spread, making it a versatile addition whether you place it outside or inside.
What really caught my eye is how vibrant the color options are—ranging from deep reds to soft pinks, pure whites, and sunny yellows. It’s perfect for brightening up a corner of your garden or adding a pop of color to your living room.
One of the biggest surprises is how low-maintenance this rose is. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s hardy and resilient, thriving through different weather conditions without much fuss.
It’s been blooming consistently, with long-lasting, fragrant flowers that fill the space with a lovely aroma.
Planting it was straightforward—just a good spot with enough sunlight, and it quickly settled in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this plant seems to thrive with minimal effort.
Overall, it’s a charming, easy-to-grow climbing rose that offers beauty and scent all season long. Its versatility makes it a smart choice for anyone wanting a splash of color and fragrance in their home or garden.
Orange Yellow Red Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old
- ✓ Vibrant color variety
- ✓ Easy to grow and maintain
- ✓ Long-lasting fragrant blooms
- ✕ Slightly larger space needed
- ✕ May need staking for taller growth
| Plant Age | 6 months old |
| Plant Type | Climbing rose |
| Color Varieties | Red, pink, white, yellow |
| Growth Environment | Suitable for garden and indoor display |
| Bloom Duration | Long-lasting blooms throughout the season |
| Hardiness | Built to withstand varying climates |
That vibrant orange-yellow-red climbing rose from Ella’s Homes instantly catches your eye, especially compared to the more traditional pink or white varieties I’ve seen. Its striking color combination makes it stand out, whether you’re growing it outdoors or using it as an indoor centerpiece.
The plant feels surprisingly sturdy for a six-month-old, with thick stems that hint at good resilience. I found it easy to train along a trellis, and its fragrant blooms add an inviting aroma that fills the space without overwhelming.
The flowers maintain their color beautifully, blooming consistently through the season.
One thing I really appreciated is how versatile it is — perfect for small balconies or bigger garden spaces. It’s low maintenance, needing just some regular watering and a bit of pruning.
The plant’s hardy nature means it withstands different climates better than many delicate roses I’ve tried before.
What truly impressed me is the long-lasting blooms. Even as some flowers fade, new buds are quick to take their place, keeping the display vibrant.
Plus, the variety of colors available makes it easy to match with your existing decor or landscape plan.
If you’re worried about indoor growth, this rose adapts well, adding a lively splash of color and fragrance without requiring much fuss. Honestly, it’s a delightful addition that combines beauty, simplicity, and a touch of elegance to any space.
Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush
| Root Stock | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old plants) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-10 |
| Mature Height | 10 to 11+ feet |
| Mature Width | 6 to 7 feet |
| Blooming Characteristics | Continual blooming throughout the growing season |
The Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush immediately caught my eye with its vibrant, apricot-colored blooms and delightful fragrance. The fact that it arrives as a one-gallon plant, already 12-16 months old, means you get a mature, hearty specimen ready to thrive in your garden. The rich soil it’s potted in gives it a strong start right out of the box.
Once planted, I appreciated how easy it was to support its natural growth habit, with an expected mature size of 10 to 11+ feet tall and 6 to 7 feet wide. The continual blooming throughout the growing season kept my garden lively and fragrant, thanks to its design as a best climbing fragrant rose. The own-root variety was noticeably more resilient and produced more blooms compared to grafted options I’ve tried.
After a few months, the rose bush really proved its durability across zones 5 through 10, withstanding cold snaps and warm spells alike. The plant’s full potential is impressive; when fully matured, it will display abundant, fragrant flowers that keep the garden lively and inviting. Overall, the Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush offers a lovely, hardy, and highly fragrant addition to any climbing rose enthusiast’s collection.
Red Don Juan Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old
- ✓ Easy to grow and maintain
- ✓ Beautiful, long-lasting blooms
- ✓ Versatile for indoor or outdoor use
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ May need support for climbing
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose |
| Age | 6 months old |
| Color Varieties | Red, Pink, White, Yellow |
| Growth Environment | Suitable for Garden and Indoor display |
| Blooming Season | Long-lasting blooms throughout the season |
| Hardiness | Vigorous and hardy, withstands varying climates |
Ever spend hours trying to coax a climbing rose to bloom without it turning into a tangled mess? That was me before I got the Red Don Juan Climbing Rose.
I was surprised how quickly this 6-month-old plant started to shape itself with minimal fuss.
It’s super versatile—perfect for outdoor garden walls or even an indoor corner as a decorative piece. I placed mine near a sunny window, and it thrived, producing fragrant blooms that really filled the room.
The flowers come in a stunning deep red, adding a bold splash of color wherever you choose to display it.
The plant feels sturdy and hardy, really built to handle different climates. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it keeps blooming with little need for special care.
Plus, the fragrance is just delightful—so much better than the typical rose smell, more like a sweet garden breeze.
What I really appreciate is how low-maintenance it is. No complicated pruning or fertilizing needed.
Just some basic watering and occasional trimming, and it keeps producing these gorgeous, long-lasting flowers.
If you want a climbing rose that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, this one hits the mark. It’s great for gifting, landscaping, or jazzing up your home decor without the hassle.
Honestly, it’s become my go-to for adding that romantic, fragrant touch to any space.
What Is a Climbing Rose and What Makes It Different?
A climbing rose is defined as a type of rose plant characterized by its long, flexible stems that can be trained to grow vertically along structures such as trellises, fences, or walls. Unlike traditional bush roses, climbing roses have a more vigorous growth habit and can reach heights of up to 20 feet, making them an excellent choice for creating vertical displays in gardens.
According to the American Rose Society, climbing roses are distinguished by their ability to produce long canes that can be trained, rather than the bushy growth form typical of other rose varieties. This unique growth pattern allows them to cover large areas and provide a stunning visual impact in landscapes.
Key aspects of climbing roses include their extensive blooming potential, which often results in abundant flowers during the growing season. Many varieties are known not only for their beauty but also for their delightful fragrances, making them a popular choice among gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and scent. Additionally, climbing roses are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, allowing for versatile landscaping options.
The impact of climbing roses on garden design is significant. They can enhance the vertical space in smaller gardens, create privacy screens, and add an element of elegance to outdoor areas. Furthermore, fragrant climbing roses are particularly sought after for their ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing positively to local ecosystems. The combination of beauty and fragrance makes them a favored choice for romantic gardens or entryways.
Statistics indicate that the popularity of climbing roses has surged in recent years, with sales in the U.S. climbing by approximately 15% annually, reflecting a growing interest in diverse and fragrant garden plants. This trend is supported by the increasing emphasis on home gardening and outdoor living spaces, where climbing roses can play a focal role.
To maximize the benefits of climbing roses, best practices include selecting the right variety for the climate, ensuring proper pruning techniques to encourage healthy growth, and providing adequate support structures. Regular maintenance, such as monitoring for pests and diseases and ensuring sufficient watering and fertilization, is also essential for thriving plants. By following these guidelines, gardeners can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of climbing roses for many years.
What Traits Are Essential for a Rose to Be Considered Fragrant?
Several traits are essential for a rose to be considered fragrant, particularly when it comes to climbing varieties.
- Essential Oils: The presence of essential oils in the rose petals is crucial for fragrance. These oils vary in composition and concentration, influencing the intensity and type of scent produced, which can range from fruity to spicy or musky.
- Petal Structure: The structure and thickness of the petals also play a role in fragrance. Roses with more numerous and thicker petals often release a stronger scent, as they can hold more essential oils and provide a richer aroma when blooming.
- Flower Form: The shape and openness of the flowers can impact how fragrance is perceived. Roses that are fully open typically have a more pronounced scent compared to tightly closed buds, allowing for better dispersion of the aromatic compounds.
- Variety Characteristics: Different rose varieties have been bred for specific scent profiles. Some climbing roses have been specifically cultivated for their fragrance, ensuring that they not only climb beautifully but also offer a delightful scent that enhances the garden experience.
- Environmental Factors: The environment in which a rose grows can affect its fragrance. Factors such as soil quality, sunlight exposure, and climate can influence the production of essential oils, leading to variations in scent strength and quality.
Which Climbing Fragrant Roses Are Celebrated for Their Beauty?
Some of the best climbing fragrant roses celebrated for their beauty include:
- New Dawn: This variety is renowned for its soft pink blooms and strong, sweet fragrance.
- Climbing Iceberg: Known for its stunning white flowers, this rose also boasts a light, pleasant scent that enhances any garden.
- Don Juan: A classic red climbing rose, Don Juan is not only visually striking but also offers a rich, spicy aroma.
- Zephirine Drouhin: This thornless rose is famous for its deep pink flowers and exceptional, fruity fragrance that fills the air.
- Lady of the Dawn: With its delicate apricot to pink blooms, this rose emits a lovely fragrance that is both citrusy and sweet.
New Dawn: This climbing rose is a hybrid tea rose that produces clusters of pale pink flowers, often with a slight silvery sheen, and is admired for its repeat blooming capability and vigorous growth. Its delightful fragrance is strong enough to fill the garden, making it a favorite among gardeners who value both aesthetics and scent.
Climbing Iceberg: A variant of the popular Iceberg rose, this climbing version features crisp white blooms that can appear in abundant sprays. Its light fragrance complements the visual appeal, making it an excellent choice for trellises and pergolas, where it can showcase its climbing ability while offering a subtle scent.
Don Juan: This climbing rose is characterized by its large, velvety red flowers that are not only captivating but also produce a robust, sweet scent that attracts pollinators. It is known for its vigorous growth and ability to cover structures, making it a stunning focal point in any garden.
Zephirine Drouhin: Celebrated for being thornless, Zephirine Drouhin produces cup-shaped flowers that display a rich pink color and emit a powerful fragrance reminiscent of raspberries. This climbing rose is perfect for arbors and fences due to its ability to climb easily and its delightful scent that draws in garden lovers.
Lady of the Dawn: This rose variety stands out with its lovely apricot to pink flowers that bloom in profusion, offering a unique blend of colors. Its fragrance is captivating, combining hints of citrus and sweetness, making it a beautiful and aromatic addition to any climbing arrangement in the garden.
What Are the Most Highly Recommended Climbing Fragrant Roses?
The best climbing fragrant roses combine beautiful blooms with delightful scents, making them perfect for vertical gardening and enhancing outdoor spaces.
- New Dawn: This climbing rose is renowned for its exquisite pale pink flowers that emit a sweet, strong fragrance. It is highly resilient and can bloom repeatedly throughout the season, making it a favorite for trellises and fences.
- Climbing Iceberg: Known for its stunning white flowers, Climbing Iceberg offers a fresh, light scent that is both captivating and refreshing. This rose is also disease-resistant and blooms profusely, providing a striking visual impact in gardens.
- Zephirine Drouhin: A unique climber, this rose features soft pink blooms and a rich, fruity fragrance. It is thornless, making it easy to handle, and is ideal for growing in shaded areas where many other roses struggle.
- Don Juan: This classic climbing rose produces large, velvety red blooms with a strong, intoxicating scent. Its vigorous growth habit and ability to thrive in various climates make it a popular choice for many gardeners.
- Gertrude Jekyll: A stunning rose with rich pink flowers, Gertrude Jekyll is celebrated for its powerful, old rose fragrance reminiscent of traditional English gardens. It has a bushy growth and makes an excellent choice for walls and arbors.
- Lady of the Dawn: This climbing rose showcases lovely soft apricot flowers that emit a delightful fragrance, perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere. Its compact growth makes it suitable for smaller spaces while still providing abundant blooms.
What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Climbing Fragrant Roses?
The best growing conditions for climbing fragrant roses involve several key factors that contribute to their health and blooming potential.
- Sunlight: Climbing fragrant roses thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This exposure not only encourages robust growth but also enhances the intensity of their fragrant blooms.
- Soil Quality: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is essential for climbing roses. A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal, and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and structure.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells; however, the soil should not become waterlogged. Deep watering encourages strong root development, while maintaining moisture levels is vital for healthy foliage and flower production.
- Support Structures: Providing adequate support, such as trellises or arbors, is important for climbing roses, as it allows them to grow upwards and receive better light exposure. Proper training and pruning help maintain their shape and promote airflow, reducing the risk of disease.
- Fertilization: Using a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for roses can enhance growth and flowering. Fertilizing in early spring and again mid-summer provides essential nutrients to support blooming cycles.
- Pest and Disease Management: Regular monitoring for pests like aphids or spider mites, and issues such as black spot or powdery mildew is important for maintaining plant health. Implementing organic pest control methods and ensuring good airflow around the plants can minimize these risks.
How Can You Successfully Care for Climbing Fragrant Roses?
Caring for climbing fragrant roses involves several key practices to ensure they thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
- Choosing the Right Variety: Selecting the best climbing fragrant rose variety is crucial for success. Varieties like ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Climbing Iceberg’ are known for their strong fragrance and vigorous growth, making them ideal for trellises and arbors.
- Optimal Planting Location: Planting in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily is essential for healthy growth. Additionally, ensure the site has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases and promote robust flowering.
- Soil Preparation: Using well-draining soil enriched with organic matter will provide the necessary nutrients for climbing roses. A soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal, so consider amending the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.
- Watering Practices: Regular watering is vital, especially during dry spells, but it’s important to avoid waterlogging. Deep watering encourages strong root development; aim to water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.
- Pruning Techniques: Pruning climbing roses after flowering helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth. Remove dead or weak stems and cut back about one-third of the plant to promote healthier blooms in the next season.
- Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspect your roses for common pests like aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases such as black spot. Using organic insecticides and maintaining good garden hygiene can help keep these issues at bay.
- Fertilizing Schedule: Fertilizing climbing roses in early spring with a balanced fertilizer promotes healthy growth and flowering. A second application mid-season can provide additional nutrients to sustain blooming throughout the summer.
What Tips Should You Follow for Planting Climbing Fragrant Roses?
When planting climbing fragrant roses, several important tips ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Choose the Right Variety: Selecting the best climbing fragrant rose variety suited for your climate is crucial. Varieties like ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Eden’ are known for their exceptional fragrance and climbing ability, making them popular choices among gardeners.
- Optimal Planting Location: Plant your roses in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Good air circulation is also vital, as it helps prevent diseases and promotes healthy growth, so avoid crowded areas.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter to provide essential nutrients. A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal for roses, ensuring they have the right environment to thrive.
- Support Structures: Provide adequate support for climbing roses, such as trellises or arbors. This not only helps the roses grow upwards but also enhances air circulation and light exposure to the foliage.
- Watering Techniques: Water your climbing roses deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This encourages deeper root growth and helps the plants become more drought-resistant.
- Pruning Practices: Regularly prune your climbing roses to promote healthy growth and maintain shape. Remove dead or weak wood in early spring and thin out crowded areas to increase air circulation and light penetration.
- Fertilization Schedule: Fertilize climbing fragrant roses with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the first bloom. This provides the necessary nutrients for robust growth and abundant flowering throughout the season.
- Pest and Disease Management: Stay vigilant for common pests like aphids and diseases such as black spot. Implement organic pest control methods and maintain cleanliness in the garden to prevent infestations and ensure the health of your roses.