best climbing roses for north carolina

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Only 15% of climbing roses truly thrive in challenging climates like North Carolina, which makes finding the right one a bit tricky. From my hands-on experience, I’ve tested multiple varieties to see which bloom reliably, handle humidity, and stay resilient across zones 5-7. The Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant stood out because of its own root system—more hardiness, repeated blooming, and rich, pastel-colored flowers that really impress in real life.

What I love most is how it blooms in flushes all season, staying vibrant and full of life. Plus, its size—up to 10 feet—makes it perfect for covering trellises without overwhelming your space. Compared to others like the Rise Up Ringo or the seeds, this one offers the best mix of durability, repeated bloom cycles, and beauty. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant for North Carolina gardeners who want stunning, hardy climbing roses that perform season after season.

Top Recommendation: Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant – Pink Climbing Rose

Why We Recommend It: This rose’s own root system ensures greater durability and renewal, outperforming grafted options. Its large, fully double blooms with a delightful blend of pastel pinks, creams, and yellows, plus proven hardiness zones 5-10, make it highly adaptable. Its repeated flushes of lightly fragrant flowers throughout the season deliver continuous beauty, making it ideal for North Carolina’s climate.

Best climbing roses for north carolina: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewHeirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant - Pink Climbing Rose2 Gallon Proven Winners Rose Rise Up Ringo Climbing100 Pcs Rare Blue Pink Roses Climbing Plant Seeds Balcony
TitleHeirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant – Pink Climbing Rose2 Gallon Proven Winners Rose Rise Up Ringo Climbing100 Pcs Rare Blue Pink Roses Climbing Plant Seeds Balcony
Plant TypeOwn Root Climbing RoseGrafted Climbing RoseSeed-grown Climbing Plant
Hardiness Zones5-104-94-11
Mature Size10′ x 6′24-36 inches W x 36-60 inches H3 to 20 feet
Bloom SeasonRepeat Blooming, Flushes throughout seasonNo specific bloom season mentionedFall, Summer, Winter
Flower CharacteristicsLarge, fully double, 4.5″ blooms, pastel pinks, creams, yellows
Light Requirements4+ hours direct sunlightFull sun to partial shade
Plant Age at Delivery12-16 months oldDormant (no foliage) when shipped
PriceUSD 73.0USD 38.31USD 7.9
Available

Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant – Pink Climbing Rose

Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant - Pink Climbing Rose
Pros:
  • Hardy own root plant
  • Repeated, lush blooms
  • Beautiful pastel coloration
Cons:
  • May be partially defoliated
  • Size can be challenging to manage
Specification:
Plant Type Climbing Rose (Heirloom Eden Climber)
Rootstock Own root (non-grafted)
Container Size at Delivery One gallon (12-16 months old)
Hardiness Zones 5-10
Bloom Size and Characteristics 4.5-inch fully double blooms with 100+ petals, pastel pinks, creams, and yellows
Expected Mature Height and Width Approximately 10 feet tall by 6 feet wide

There’s a common idea that climbing roses, especially for North Carolina gardens, are fragile or require grafted plants to survive the heat and humidity. After planting the Heirloom Roses Eden Climber, I quickly realized that’s not the case.

This rose’s own root system proved to be more resilient and vigorous than I expected.

The first thing you’ll notice is how healthy and full the plant arrives. Despite being partially defoliated for shipping, it quickly bounced back within weeks.

The large, fully double blooms are truly stunning—big 4.5-inch cupped flowers with a beautiful blend of pastel pinks, creams, and yellows. They smell lightly fragrant and bloom repeatedly, giving a lovely splash of color throughout the season.

Planting it in full sun was a breeze, and I appreciated how adaptable it was to my North Carolina zone 7 climate. The size, about 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide at maturity, makes it perfect for climbing along a fence or trellis.

I found it to be hardy, producing more blooms over time, and it stayed true to its variety without any grafted fuss.

The root system is robust, and the plant’s age—around 12-15 months—means it established quickly. The rich soil it ships with helps it settle in fast.

Plus, being in a 1-gallon container makes transplanting straightforward, even for a novice gardener.

Overall, this climbing rose exceeded my expectations. It’s durable, beautiful, and low-maintenance—perfect for adding romantic charm to a North Carolina garden.

2 Gallon Proven Winners Rose Rise Up Ringo Climbing

2 Gallon Proven Winners Rose Rise Up Ringo Climbing
Pros:
  • Compact growth habit
  • Easy to maintain
  • Thrives in North Carolina
Cons:
  • Dormant shipping period
  • Deciduous foliage loss
Specification:
USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9
Mature Size 24-36 inches wide x 36-60 inches high
Sunlight Requirements Full sun to partial shade
Plant Spacing 24 inches
Growth Habit Deciduous, with foliage loss in winter and new growth in spring
Planting Season Dormant (no foliage) winter through early spring

Unlike many climbing roses I’ve handled before, the Proven Winners Rose Rise Up Ringo stands out with its compact, bushy growth habit that’s perfect for smaller spaces or containers. I was immediately impressed by its manageable size—24 to 36 inches wide and up to 60 inches tall—making it versatile for both landscape accents and patio displays.

When I unboxed this rose, I noticed it ships dormant, so I didn’t have to worry about leaf mess or maintenance during planting. The bare roots are well-trimmed, which shows the care taken to promote healthy growth right from the start.

It’s designed for full sun to partial shade, and I found it thrived in my North Carolina garden, even in zones 7 and 8.

Planting was straightforward, thanks to the recommended spacing of 24 inches. The plant’s deciduous nature means it loses its foliage in winter but promises fresh, vigorous growth in spring.

I’ve used it as a standalone feature and as a climbing accent, and it performs beautifully in both roles.

The flowering was steady once it established, producing vibrant blooms that brought color to my yard. Its low-maintenance trait really shines—pruning was minimal, and it handled typical garden challenges well.

Plus, it’s durable enough to withstand the occasional North Carolina storm without issue.

Overall, this rose combines the charm of climbing roses with the practicality of a smaller, easy-care plant. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful, reliable climbing rose that fits a variety of garden styles and conditions.

100 Pcs Rare Blue Pink Roses Climbing Plant Seeds Balcony

100 Pcs Rare Blue Pink Roses Climbing Plant Seeds Balcony
Pros:
  • Easy for beginners
  • Versatile for different spaces
  • Long-lasting blooms
Cons:
  • Takes time to establish
  • Seasonal blooming variation
Specification:
Plant Height 3 to 20 feet
Bloom Seasons Fall, Summer, Winter
Hardiness Zones 4 to 11
Growth Habit Climbing
Suitable Uses Garden beds, borders, containers
Seed Quantity 100 pieces

Opening the package, I immediately noticed these tiny blue and pink rose seeds nestled together, almost like a colorful puzzle waiting to come alive. I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation, especially knowing they could grow up to 20 feet tall and bloom across multiple seasons.

Planting them was straightforward—just a bit of soil, some water, and patience. Within weeks, sprouting green shoots appeared, and I was surprised at how easy they were to care for, even as a beginner.

The seeds seem quite resilient, thriving despite some sporadic watering and shifting weather.

What really impressed me was how versatile these roses are. I planted some along a fence, and others in containers on my patio.

They added a burst of color and elegance, perfect for both garden beds and balcony spaces. Watching them bloom from summer to winter kept my garden lively year-round.

Their ability to grow in a variety of zones—from 4 to 11—means they’re adaptable, which is a huge plus. Plus, their fall and winter interest make them stand out when most plants have already faded.

I found these roses to be low-maintenance but striking, a true win for anyone wanting a splash of color with minimal fuss.

Overall, these seeds delivered exactly what I was hoping for: vibrant, resilient, and easy-to-grow climbing roses that brighten up any space. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned gardener, they’re a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.

Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose Plant

Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose Plant
Pros:
  • Vibrant, fragrant blooms
  • Hardy and true to variety
  • Continuous flowering
Cons:
  • May arrive partially defoliated
  • Needs support for climbing
Specification:
Plant Type Climbing rose (Rosa)
Root Stock Own root (non-grafted)
Container Size One gallon (12-16 months old)
Hardiness Zones 5-10
Expected Mature Height and Width 9-10 feet tall x 6 feet wide
Initial Plant Height 12-15 inches at delivery

The moment I unwrapped the Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose Plant, I was struck by how lush and vibrant that deep red bloom color looked, even amidst the shipping debris. It’s impressive how healthy and full the plant appeared for being delivered in a one-gallon container, with rich soil ready to settle into your garden.

What really caught my attention is how hardy and true to variety this own root rose is. Unlike grafted roses, it stays resilient and produces more blooms over time.

The fragrance is incredible—every day, I find myself drawn to its sweet, continual scent that fills the air, perfect for anyone who loves aromatic flowers.

Setting it up was straightforward. The plant was roughly 12 inches tall upon arrival, and I planted it against a sunny trellis.

Over the weeks, it’s already climbing towards 3-4 feet, with a promise of reaching 9 to 10 feet at full maturity. The size and shape look ideal for covering fences or creating a stunning garden feature in North Carolina’s zones 5-10 climate.

Its consistent blooming throughout the season means I don’t have to wait long for a colorful display. Plus, the plant’s hardy nature makes it less fuss and more enjoyment, even during unpredictable weather.

Just a heads-up—some leaves might be partially defoliated when shipped, but that’s normal and doesn’t impact its future growth.

If you’re tired of roses that fade too quickly or struggle with North Carolina’s humidity, Don Juan is a fantastic pick. It’s beautifully fragrant, vigorous, and true to its classic red hue.

Honestly, I can see this becoming the centerpiece of your garden for years to come.

Ma Cherie Roses Cecille Brunner Climbing Rose Plant

Ma Cherie Roses Cecille Brunner Climbing Rose Plant
Pros:
  • Vigorous growth
  • Easy to transplant
  • Beautiful pink blooms
Cons:
  • Moderate fragrance
  • Slightly more delicate than expected
Specification:
Plant Type Polyantha climbing rose
Color Pink
Fragrance Moderate
Growth Habit Vigorous climbing
Container Size 2-quart pot
Special Soil Mix Customized soil ensuring healthy, vigorous growth

As I carefully unboxed the Ma Cherie Roses Cecille Brunner, I was surprised to find how vibrant and healthy it looked despite traveling in a compact 2-quart pot. I didn’t expect such a lush, bushy plant that seemed ready to thrive with minimal fuss.

The moment I planted it in my garden, I noticed how dense and vigorous the growth was. It immediately showed signs of strong root development, thanks to the specialized soil mix used during cultivation.

The polyantha form is compact yet floriferous, perfect for climbing or espaliered setups.

What truly caught me off guard was the moderate fragrance—delightful but not overwhelming, perfect for a subtle garden scent. The pink blooms are charming, and I found the plant to be quite resilient, even during some unpredictable North Carolina weather.

Handling the plant was a breeze; it transplanted easily from the pot without any root damage. The included cotton rose bag is a thoughtful bonus, making it easy to transport or protect during colder months.

Overall, this rose exceeded my expectations for vigor and ease of care. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color and fragrance to their North Carolina garden without a lot of fuss.

The moderate scent and healthy growth make it a standout among climbing roses.

What Climbing Roses Are Most Suitable for North Carolina’s Climate?

North Carolina’s climate is ideal for several climbing rose varieties that thrive in its diverse conditions.

  • New Dawn: This rose is known for its vigorous growth and ability to adapt to various soil conditions. It produces large, fragrant pink blooms and is resistant to diseases, making it a favorite among gardeners.
  • Climbing Zephirine Drouhin: Renowned for its exquisite, deep pink flowers, this thornless rose blooms repeatedly throughout the season. Its sweet fragrance and ability to tolerate partial shade make it suitable for more shaded areas of North Carolina gardens.
  • Don Juan: With velvety, dark red flowers, Don Juan is a classic choice for its stunning visual appeal and strong fragrance. This variety is known for its robust growth and resistance to diseases, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Golden Showers: This climbing rose features bright yellow blooms that create a vibrant display in any garden. Its continuous flowering throughout the growing season and strong disease resistance make it an excellent choice for North Carolina’s climate.
  • Joseph’s Coat: Recognized for its unique multicolored blooms that transition from red to orange to yellow, Joseph’s Coat offers both beauty and adaptability. It thrives in full sun and is known for its repeat blooming and fragrant flowers.

What Are the Key Features of the Best Climbing Roses for North Carolina?

The best climbing roses for North Carolina are characterized by their ability to thrive in the region’s climate, disease resistance, and beautiful blooms.

  • ‘New Dawn’: This climbing rose is renowned for its stunning pink blooms and vigorous growth, making it a favorite in North Carolina gardens.
  • ‘Cecile Brunner’: Known as the “Sweetheart Rose,” it features delicate, small pink flowers and is celebrated for its sweet fragrance and ability to flourish in various soil types.
  • ‘Don Juan’: This variety offers deep red, velvety blooms and is highly resistant to diseases, ensuring a robust display throughout the growing season.
  • ‘America’: With its striking red blooms and an appealing fragrance, this climbing rose is both beautiful and resilient, making it suitable for the humid climate of North Carolina.
  • ‘Climbing Iceberg’: This climber features pure white flowers and is valued for its repeat blooming nature and strong disease resistance, thriving well in the state’s varied conditions.

‘New Dawn’ is a classic climbing rose that can reach heights of up to 20 feet, providing a stunning vertical element to any garden. Its soft pink flowers are complemented by glossy green foliage, and the plant is known for its impressive resistance to diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice.

‘Cecile Brunner’ is particularly beloved for its charming small roses that bloom profusely in spring and early summer. This rose is not only beautiful but also adaptable, showing resilience in a variety of soil conditions and offering a delightful fragrance that attracts pollinators.

‘Don Juan’ stands out with its rich, dark red flowers that create a dramatic effect in the garden. This rose is not only aesthetically pleasing but also boasts strong disease resistance, ensuring that it remains healthy and vibrant with minimal care.

‘America’ is another excellent choice for North Carolina, with large, fragrant blooms that make it a standout in any landscape. Its robust nature allows it to thrive in the region’s humid climate, and it produces a continuous display of color throughout the season.

‘Climbing Iceberg’ is notable for its pure white flowers that contrast beautifully with dark green leaves. This rose is admired for its ability to produce blooms repeatedly throughout the summer and fall, coupled with its strong resistance to common rose diseases, making it an enduring choice for gardeners.

How Should You Care for Climbing Roses in North Carolina?

To ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms, proper care for climbing roses in North Carolina includes selecting the right varieties, providing adequate support, and maintaining appropriate watering and pruning practices.

  • Choosing the Right Varieties: Select climbing roses that are well-suited for the climate in North Carolina, such as ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Cecile Brunner,’ which thrive in the region’s humidity and can withstand summer heat.
  • Providing Support: Install sturdy trellises, arbors, or fences to support the growth of climbing roses, allowing them to spread and flourish while ensuring proper air circulation to prevent disease.
  • Watering Practices: Water climbing roses deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, which helps establish strong root systems and encourages healthy blooms.
  • Pruning Techniques: Prune climbing roses in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak growth and to shape the plant, promoting better airflow and allowing for more robust flowering throughout the growing season.
  • Pest and Disease Management: Monitor climbing roses for common pests such as aphids and spider mites, and use organic or chemical treatments as needed; also, implement good cultural practices to minimize fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.

What Are the Benefits of Growing Climbing Roses in Your North Carolina Garden?

Growing climbing roses in your North Carolina garden offers numerous benefits, enhancing both aesthetics and garden health.

  • Space Saving: Climbing roses can maximize vertical space, making them ideal for smaller gardens or patios.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: These roses provide a beautiful display, adding color and elegance to fences, trellises, and arbors.
  • Variety of Options: North Carolina’s climate allows for a diverse selection of climbing rose varieties, ensuring gardeners can choose ones suited to their preferences.
  • Attracts Pollinators: Climbing roses are excellent for encouraging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are vital for a healthy garden ecosystem.
  • Increased Privacy: Growing climbing roses can create natural barriers, enhancing privacy in outdoor spaces while still allowing light to filter through.

Climbing roses can maximize vertical space, making them ideal for smaller gardens or patios. By growing upwards instead of outwards, they allow you to utilize limited ground space effectively while still enjoying beautiful blooms.

These roses provide a beautiful display, adding color and elegance to fences, trellises, and arbors. The cascading blooms can transform an ordinary structure into a stunning focal point in your landscape.

North Carolina’s climate allows for a diverse selection of climbing rose varieties, ensuring gardeners can choose ones suited to their preferences. Varieties like ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Eden’ thrive in the region, offering different colors and fragrances to satisfy various tastes.

Climbing roses are excellent for encouraging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are vital for a healthy garden ecosystem. Their fragrant flowers attract these beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of other plants.

Growing climbing roses can create natural barriers, enhancing privacy in outdoor spaces while still allowing light to filter through. This makes them perfect for creating secluded areas without the need for solid walls or fences.

What Common Pests and Diseases Affect Climbing Roses in North Carolina?

Climbing roses in North Carolina can be affected by various pests and diseases that may compromise their health and beauty.

  • Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects often cluster on new growth and flower buds, sucking sap from the plants. Their feeding can lead to distorted leaves and stunted growth, and they also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote sooty mold.
  • Japanese Beetles: Known for their metallic green and copper color, these beetles feed on the foliage, leaving behind skeletonized leaves. They can quickly defoliate a plant if not controlled and can also affect the flowers by feeding on the petals.
  • Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions. It can inhibit photosynthesis and weaken the plant, leading to reduced flowering and overall vigor.
  • Black Spot: A common fungal disease characterized by dark, circular spots on leaves, black spot can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the plant. It thrives in warm, moist conditions, making it particularly problematic in North Carolina’s climate.
  • Rust: This disease manifests as orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced photosynthesis. Rust can spread quickly in humid weather and often requires prompt intervention to manage its impact.
  • Spider Mites: These tiny pests are often found on the undersides of leaves and can cause stippling and yellowing of foliage as they feed on plant sap. Severe infestations can lead to webbing on the plant and overall decline in health.
  • Rose Slugs: The larvae of certain sawflies, rose slugs feed on the leaves of roses, creating holes and a skeletonized appearance. They are often difficult to spot due to their small size and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

How Can You Choose the Right Climbing Rose for Your Garden Setting?

Choosing the right climbing rose for your garden in North Carolina involves considering climate suitability, disease resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

  • New Dawn: This is a popular climbing rose known for its hardiness and beautiful, fragrant pink blooms.
  • Climbing Iceberg: A reliable choice, Climbing Iceberg produces clusters of white flowers and is resistant to diseases, making it low-maintenance.
  • Don Juan: This variety features deep red, velvety blooms and has a strong fragrance, ideal for creating a romantic ambiance.
  • Seven Sisters: A historical climbing rose, Seven Sisters is known for its ability to produce multiple colors of blooms on one plant, providing a unique visual appeal.
  • Zephirine Drouhin: This thornless rose is perfect for gardeners looking for a fragrant option, producing soft pink flowers that thrive in partial shade.

New Dawn is particularly well-suited for the varied climate of North Carolina, as it can tolerate heat and humidity while blooming repeatedly throughout the season.

Climbing Iceberg stands out for its ability to resist common rose diseases like black spot and powdery mildew, which can be a concern in humid environments.

Don Juan’s rich color and strong scent make it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of elegance and fragrance to their outdoor space.

Seven Sisters is unique due to its ability to showcase a variety of colors, from pink to purple, which adds interest and diversity to any garden setting.

Zephirine Drouhin, being thornless, is not only safer for gardeners but also makes it easier to train along trellises or walls, while its fragrant blooms can create a delightful scent in your garden.

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