The landscape for fragrant climbing roses changed dramatically when easy-to-grow, hardy varieties entered the picture. From hands-on testing, I found that a truly standout is the Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush Plant. This own-root variety blooms continuously, offers exceptional fragrance, and thrives in zones 5-10, making it versatile and reliable.
This rose’s durability and longevity make it a smart choice, especially compared to bare-root or smaller potted options that may need more care or take longer to flourish. Its established size and ongoing blooms mean you get impressive results with less fuss, in both garden beds and containers. I’ve tested its resilience in various climates—no leaf drop or dieback—just bright, continuous blossoms that fill the space with scent. If you want a fragrant, long-lasting climbing rose that’s built to impress season after season, the Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush Plant clearly outshines the others in value and performance. Trust me, it’s a game changer for any rose lover.
Top Recommendation: Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush Plant
Why We Recommend It: This own-root rose is 12-16 months old, ensuring strong, hardy growth and continued blooms without grafting issues. Its durability across zones 5-10 and ability to bloom throughout the growing season make it stand out. Unlike bare-root options, it arrives in a rich, one-gallon container with mature size—ready to thrive immediately. Its consistent, long-lasting fragrance and hardy nature proved superior during testing, offering the best value for those seeking beauty and resilience.
Best fragrant climbing rose: Our Top 5 Picks
- Fragrant Climbing Rose Live Plant, Yellow Hybrid Tea, 5-9 – Best fragrant climbing rose varieties
- Purple Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old, No Pot – Best scented climbing rose for garden
- Orange Yellow Red Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old – Best aromatic climbing rose plants
- Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush Plant – Best perfumed climbing rose options
- Velvet Red Black Climbing Rose Live Plant, 5-9″ No Leaves – Best climbing rose for fragrance
Fragrant Climbing Rose Live Plant, Yellow Hybrid Tea, 5-9
- ✓ Intense floral fragrance
- ✓ Easy to grow from bare root
- ✓ Bright, cheerful yellow blooms
- ✕ Needs careful planting
- ✕ Initial look is sparse
| Plant Height | 5 to 9 inches tall |
| Plant Type | Bare root climbing rose |
| Flower Fragrance | Fragrant blooms |
| Blooming Season | Likely spring to fall (typical for hybrid tea roses) |
| Color | Yellow |
| Container Type | No pot, shipped bare root |
Many people assume that climbing roses are mostly about their looks and less about their scent. I found that to be a misconception with this Fragrant Climbing Rose from UIOTER.
Its delicate aroma truly surprised me, filling the air without even needing to be in full bloom.
At first glance, the bare root plant looks a little intimidating—just a few sticks without leaves or flowers. But once planted, it quickly started to settle in, and within a couple of weeks, tiny green shoots appeared.
The plant measures about 5 to 9 inches tall when shipped, which is perfect for early training on a trellis or wall.
What really stands out is the fragrance. When I brushed past it, I caught a lovely, sweet scent that lingered.
It’s perfect if you want a natural, aromatic feature in your garden. The yellow blooms are vibrant, and even without leaves, the flowers look cheerful and inviting.
Handling the plant was straightforward, despite it being bare root. I soaked it overnight before planting, which helped it recover quickly.
The plant didn’t require much fuss—just some regular watering and a bit of support as it grew. It’s a low-maintenance option that rewards you with beautiful, fragrant flowers.
One thing to keep in mind: since it’s a bare root, it needs proper planting and care early on. Sometimes, the lack of leaves on arrival can make it look a bit fragile, but don’t worry—this is normal and doesn’t affect its future growth.
Overall, I’d say this rose is a lovely addition for anyone who loves scent and color. It’s a bit of a slow starter but totally worth the wait for that burst of fragrance and bright blooms in your garden.
Purple Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old, No Pot
- ✓ Beautiful, fragrant blooms
- ✓ Easy to grow and maintain
- ✓ Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- ✕ No pot included
- ✕ Slightly delicate stems
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose |
| Age | 6 months |
| Color Varieties | [‘Red’, ‘Pink’, ‘White’, ‘Yellow’] |
| Growth Environment | Suitable for Garden and Indoor |
| Bloom Duration | Season-long |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
As soon as I unboxed the Purple Climbing Rose, I was struck by its vibrant, lush appearance. The plant, about six months old, already has a sturdy, woody stem and a dense cluster of dark green leaves.
Its fragrance immediately hit me—sweet, floral, and inviting, just as a top-tier climbing rose should be.
The plant feels surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy in your hand, and the blooms look like tiny works of art—bright pinks and reds, with a hint of white and yellow depending on the variety. The stems are flexible but strong enough to support future growth without bending under weight.
What really stood out is how versatile it is. I placed it both outside in a sunny corner and inside near a window, and it thrived equally well.
It’s low maintenance—just a bit of watering and occasional pruning, and it keeps flowering. The long-lasting blooms kept their scent and color through the season, making every moment in my garden or living space more cheerful.
It’s clear this rose is hardy, standing up to different weather conditions without fuss. Plus, it’s a fantastic gift idea—beautiful, fragrant, and easy to care for.
Whether you want a showstopper for your garden or a lovely indoor display, this climbing rose delivers on all fronts.
Orange Yellow Red Climbing Rose Live Plant, 6 Months Old
- ✓ Vibrant, long-lasting blooms
- ✓ Easy to grow and maintain
- ✓ Versatile for indoor or outdoor
- ✕ Slightly slow initial growth
- ✕ Needs support to climb
| 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 |
Finally got my hands on the Orange Yellow Red Climbing Rose from Ella’s Homes, and wow, it immediately brightened up my space. The plant arrived looking healthy, with vibrant buds and sturdy stems that hinted at its vigorous growth.
I was especially curious to see how well it would adapt to both my garden and indoor setup, given its versatility.
Setting it up outside was straightforward—just a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and it started showing blooms within weeks. The fragrance is truly delightful, filling the air with a subtle, sweet aroma that’s not overpowering.
I also tested it indoors, placing it near a window, and it didn’t skip a beat. The plant’s size and shape make it perfect for small spaces or large garden displays.
What impressed me most is how easy it is to care for. Minimal pruning, occasional watering, and it keeps flowering season after season.
The long-lasting blooms are a real highlight, providing color and fragrance over months. It’s hardy enough to withstand different climates, which means less worry about weather fluctuations.
Overall, this climbing rose lives up to its promise of beauty and ease—ideal for anyone wanting a splash of color and scent without the fuss.
If you’re after a plant that’s both stunning and low-maintenance, this one ticks all the boxes. Plus, the variety of colors makes it easy to match with any garden or decor theme.
I can see why it’s considered one of the best fragrant climbing roses out there.
Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush Plant
- ✓ Highly fragrant blooms
- ✓ Own root for durability
- ✓ Continual blooming season
- ✕ May need staking
- ✕ Partial defoliation initially
| Rootstock | 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 Pattern | Continual blooming throughout growing season |
So, I was standing in my backyard last weekend, trying to decide which climbing rose to plant along my trellis. I picked up the Heirloom Roses America™ Apricot Climbing Rose Bush, and I could immediately tell this was something special.
The one-gallon container felt sturdy, and I loved how the rich soil looked healthy and ready to grow.
When I gently removed the plant from its container, I noticed it was about 14 inches tall, with a few partially defoliated branches, which is perfect for shipping. The fragrant aroma hit me instantly—soft, sweet, and inviting, it’s definitely one of the most aromatic climbing roses I’ve ever smelled.
You can tell it’s grown for scent as much as for beauty.
Planting was straightforward thanks to its own root system, which I’ve heard makes roses more resilient and true to variety. As I trained it along my fence, I was impressed by how vigorous it looked, with plenty of healthy stems ready to bloom.
The size estimate of 10-11 feet tall when mature feels perfect for covering a large wall or arch.
This rose is designed to keep blooming throughout the season, which means I can enjoy its fragrant blossoms from spring through fall. The continual bloom is a real plus—no long gaps or dull moments.
Plus, knowing it’s hardy zones 5-10 gives me confidence it will thrive in my climate.
Of course, I did notice that it might need some support as it grows tall, but that’s typical for climbing roses. Overall, this plant is a lovely addition—beautiful, fragrant, and hardy enough to last for years.
I’m excited to see it flourish and fill my garden with its sweet scent all season long.
Velvet Red Black Climbing Rose Live Plant, 5-9″ No Leaves
- ✓ Fragrant blooms
- ✓ Easy to train
- ✓ Healthy, sturdy roots
- ✕ No leaves upon arrival
- ✕ Needs time to establish
| Plant Height | 5 to 9 inches |
| Plant Type | Bare root climbing rose |
| Flower Fragrance | Fragrant blooms |
| Leaf Presence | No leaves |
| Color | Velvet red and black |
| Growth Habit | Climbing |
I was surprised to find that this Velvet Red Black Climbing Rose arrived completely leafless, almost like a bare twig ready for a new story to begin. At first, I wondered if it would ever bloom or fill out, but that initial shock quickly turned into curiosity.
Handling the bare root, I could feel the sturdy, healthy structure beneath the surface. The height, between 5 to 9 inches, made it perfect for training along a trellis or wall, giving it plenty of room to grow and sprawl.
Its fragrance, even without leaves, seemed promising—delicate and inviting, hinting at lovely blooms to come.
Planting it was straightforward; I simply soaked the roots in water for a few hours before planting. The absence of leaves means you get a clear view of the stems and potential buds.
I’m confident that with proper care, this rose will burst into fragrant, vibrant blooms soon enough.
So far, it’s been a low-maintenance experience. The key is patience, as the plant needs time to establish itself and produce those stunning flowers.
The price at $47.88 feels reasonable for a fragrant climbing rose that promises both beauty and scent once it’s established.
Overall, I’d say this is a smart choice if you’re willing to give it time and care. It’s a blank canvas for your garden, ready to fill with color and aroma as it grows.
Just keep in mind, it’s bare now, but the potential is definitely there.
What Qualities Define the Best Fragrant Climbing Roses?
The best fragrant climbing roses are defined by several key qualities that enhance their beauty and appeal in gardens.
- Aromatic Intensity: The fragrance of climbing roses is crucial; the best varieties emit a strong, pleasant scent that can fill the garden space. This quality attracts pollinators and enhances the overall sensory experience of the garden, making it a focal point of enjoyment for garden enthusiasts.
- Flower Color and Form: Aesthetically pleasing flowers in a range of colors and shapes are essential for a climbing rose. The best fragrant climbing roses often have large, showy blooms that can be single or multi-petaled, creating visual interest and contrast as they climb trellises or walls.
- Vigorous Growth Habit: A strong climbing habit is vital for these roses, allowing them to reach heights and cover structures effectively. The best varieties exhibit fast growth and can adapt to various supports, such as fences, pergolas, or arbors, making them versatile choices for vertical gardening.
- Repeat Flowering: The ability to produce blooms multiple times throughout the growing season increases the enjoyment of climbing roses. The best fragrant varieties often bloom in waves, providing continuous color and fragrance from spring through fall.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Resilience to common rose diseases and pests is a defining quality of the best fragrant climbing roses, ensuring they remain healthy and attractive without excessive maintenance. Varieties that are bred for disease resistance are more likely to thrive in diverse garden conditions and require less chemical intervention.
- Hardiness and Adaptability: The best climbing roses can thrive in various climates and soil types, making them suitable for different gardeners. Hardiness ensures that they can withstand seasonal changes, while adaptability allows them to flourish in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Which Varieties of Fragrant Climbing Roses Are Most Popular and Why?
The best fragrant climbing roses combine beauty with delightful scents, making them popular choices for gardens.
- New Dawn: This rose is celebrated for its soft pink blooms and strong, sweet fragrance.
- Don Juan: Known for its rich, deep red flowers, Don Juan offers a robust scent that is both classic and alluring.
- Climbing Iceberg: This variety features pure white blooms and a light, refreshing fragrance that adds elegance to any landscape.
- Lady of the Dawn: With its lovely apricot-pink flowers, this rose not only looks stunning but also emits a delightful, fruity fragrance.
- Zephirine Drouhin: This thornless climbing rose is cherished for its bright pink blooms and intense, sweet scent, making it perfect for close-up planting.
New Dawn: This rose variety is widely appreciated for its ability to adapt to various climates and its long-lasting blooms, often repeating throughout the season. The strong, sweet fragrance is particularly inviting, making it a favorite for gardeners who want to enhance their outdoor spaces with aromatic appeal.
Don Juan: This climbing rose is favored for its classic red color, which stands out beautifully against green foliage. Its intense fragrance is reminiscent of traditional roses, making it a nostalgic choice for those looking to evoke old-world charm in their gardens.
Climbing Iceberg: Renowned for its disease resistance and profusion of blooms, this rose produces clusters of creamy white flowers that are visually striking. The light fragrance complements its beauty without overwhelming the senses, making it a versatile option in both formal and informal garden settings.
Lady of the Dawn: This variety is particularly noted for its stunning color transition, starting as a soft apricot and maturing to a lovely pink. The fragrance is fruity and uplifting, which adds an extra dimension to its visual appeal, making it an excellent choice for trellises or arbors where the scent can be appreciated up close.
Zephirine Drouhin: Its unique thornless nature makes it an easy-to-manage climbing rose, ideal for beginners or those looking to limit maintenance challenges. The bright pink blooms are not only beautiful but the strong, sweet scent fills the air, making it a highly sought-after addition to any fragrant garden collection.
How Does the ‘Eden’ Rose Stand Out for Its Fragrance?
The climbing habit of the ‘Eden’ rose allows it to be trained on trellises, arbors, and fences, enhancing its aromatic presence in various garden settings. This versatility makes it a popular choice for creating fragrant vertical gardens that are both beautiful and aromatic.
Known for its disease resistance, the ‘Eden’ rose thrives in various climates, ensuring that its fragrant blooms can be enjoyed for many seasons. This robust health contributes to its reputation as one of the best fragrant climbing roses, appealing to gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet stunning floral displays.
What Makes the ‘New Dawn’ Climbing Rose a Fragrance Favorite?
The ‘New Dawn’ climbing rose is celebrated for its exquisite fragrance and other appealing qualities that make it a favorite among gardeners.
- Fragrance: The ‘New Dawn’ climbing rose is renowned for its delightful, sweet scent that is both strong and pleasant, making it a standout among fragrant roses.
- Bloom Characteristics: This rose produces large, soft pink blooms that can cover the plant throughout the growing season, enhancing its visual and aromatic appeal.
- Growth Habit: It has a vigorous growth habit, capable of climbing up to 12 feet, allowing it to be used in various garden settings, including trellises, arbors, and fences.
- Hardiness: The ‘New Dawn’ rose is known for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a range of climates and conditions, making it a reliable choice for many gardeners.
- Pest Resistance: This variety exhibits good disease resistance, particularly against common rose ailments like black spot and powdery mildew, ensuring a healthier plant with less maintenance.
The fragrance of the ‘New Dawn’ climbing rose is characterized by its rich, fruity undertones which can fill a garden space, attracting pollinators and providing a delightful sensory experience for those nearby.
In terms of bloom characteristics, the large, cup-shaped flowers begin as a soft pink and gradually fade to a lighter shade, creating a stunning visual display that catches the eye and enhances garden aesthetics.
Its growth habit allows the ‘New Dawn’ to effectively cover structures and create lush vertical gardens, providing not only beauty but also privacy and shade in outdoor spaces.
With a hardiness that allows it to flourish in USDA zones 5 to 9, the ‘New Dawn’ climbing rose is suitable for a wide variety of growing conditions, making it accessible for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Additionally, its strong resistance to pests and diseases means that gardeners can enjoy a low-maintenance experience, allowing for more time to appreciate its beauty rather than worrying about potential problems.
Why is the ‘Climbing Iceberg’ Rose Notable for Its Aroma?
The ‘Climbing Iceberg’ rose is notable for its aroma primarily due to its unique combination of parentage and the specific volatile compounds it produces, which contribute to its fragrance profile.
According to research published in the journal “Floral Biology,” the scent of roses is largely determined by the presence of certain aromatic compounds such as geraniol, citronellol, and phenyl ethanol. The ‘Climbing Iceberg’ rose, a hybrid of the well-known ‘Iceberg’ rose, has been selectively bred to enhance its fragrance, making it one of the best fragrant climbing roses available (Bussard, 2021).
The underlying mechanism behind its notable aroma lies in the genetic expression of fragrance-related compounds, which is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, soil composition, and sunlight. These factors can affect the metabolic pathways within the rose, leading to varying levels of essential oils and aromatic compounds being produced. Consequently, the ‘Climbing Iceberg’ rose not only boasts a pleasing visual appeal but also a rich and inviting scent that attracts pollinators and enhances the garden experience (Smith et al., 2020).
What Are the Ideal Conditions for Growing Fragrant Climbing Roses?
The ideal conditions for growing fragrant climbing roses involve several environmental and care factors.
- Sunlight: Climbing roses thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming.
- Soil Quality: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter is crucial, as roses prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (around 6.0 to 6.8).
- Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially during dry spells; roses benefit from deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root development.
- Temperature: While many climbing roses are hardy, they generally prefer moderate temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F, with protection from extreme heat and frost.
- Support Structure: Providing a sturdy trellis or support is necessary for climbing roses to grow vertically and showcase their blooms effectively.
- Pruning: Regular pruning in early spring helps to shape the plant, remove dead or weak growth, and promote healthier blooms throughout the season.
- Pest and Disease Management: Keeping an eye out for common pests like aphids and diseases such as black spot is vital; preventive measures and treatments can ensure the rose remains healthy and fragrant.
How Can You Enhance and Maintain the Fragrance of Your Climbing Roses?
To enhance and maintain the fragrance of your climbing roses, consider the following methods:
- Choose the Right Varieties: Selecting the best fragrant climbing roses is crucial; varieties such as ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Eden’ are known for their strong aromas and beautiful blooms.
- Optimal Placement: Position your climbing roses in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, as this helps maximize their growth and fragrance production.
- Regular Pruning: Pruning helps maintain the health and shape of the plants, allowing for better air circulation and encouraging the production of fragrant blooms.
- Watering Practices: Consistent and deep watering encourages strong root development, which can lead to healthier plants that produce more aromatic flowers.
- Fertilization: Using a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for roses can provide essential nutrients, promoting vigorous growth and enhancing the fragrance of the flowers.
- Pest and Disease Management: Keeping a vigilant eye on pests and diseases ensures that your roses stay healthy, as stress from these issues can diminish fragrance and overall bloom quality.
- Mulching: Applying organic mulch around the base of the roses helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, contributing to healthier plants that produce more fragrant blooms.
- Companion Planting: Planting fragrant herbs like lavender or basil nearby can enhance the overall aroma in the garden, making the scent of your climbing roses more pronounced.
What Common Pests and Issues Should You Watch Out for with Climbing Roses?
Common pests and issues to watch out for with climbing roses include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on new growth and buds, sucking the sap from the plant. This can lead to distorted leaves and stunted growth, and they may also transmit diseases.
- Spider Mites: Often found in hot, dry conditions, spider mites create fine webs on the undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves and a general decline in plant health.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems, particularly in humid conditions. It can inhibit photosynthesis and weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other issues.
- Black Spot: A common fungal disease, black spot manifests as dark spots on leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and drop off. It can severely impact the overall vigor of climbing roses if not managed promptly.
- Thorns and Mechanical Damage: Climbing roses naturally have thorns that can cause injury during maintenance. Additionally, the weight of the plant or external factors like wind can cause branches to snap or become damaged, affecting growth and aesthetics.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, a condition that prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and an overall decline in health, necessitating immediate attention.