Climbing Rose Varieties to Grow (Part 1)

By Paul Smith, pemdasgarden.com

Some gardens you walk through. Others you walk under.

There's nothing — nothing — like passing beneath an arch of climbing roses in full bloom, petals brushing your shoulders, perfume wrapping around you like a shawl. It's the single most transformative thing you can do to a garden, and it starts with choosing the right climber.

This is Part 1 of our climbing rose series: four varieties that bring elegance, color, and fragrance to every vertical surface they touch.

Climbing Roses, Part 1: The Elegant Four 🌹

A quick refresher for the series: climbing roses don't truly climb — they lean. You provide the structure and the ties; they provide the glory. Train canes as horizontally as possible for maximum bloom, give them sturdy support, and be patient — year three is when the magic happens.

The four below were chosen for beauty, fragrance, and garden-worthy performance. All grow from seed with 6–8 weeks cold stratification via our rose seed collection.

Four Climbers for Dream Gardens

Princesse de Monaco Rose

Regal. Two-toned. Fit for royalty.

Bred by Meilland in France (1981) and named for Princess Grace of Monaco, this climbing rose carries 9–13 cm blooms in white edged with pink and red — each flower looks hand-painted. The fragrance is sweet and fruity, the display utterly aristocratic.

She climbs 1.5–2.5 meters and reblooms every 4–5 weeks. One honest note: she's more disease-prone than some, so give her excellent air circulation, morning sun, and preventive care. Royalty has its needs.

This is for you if… you want a climber with true elegance — the white-and-pink classic, done at royal scale.

Leonardo da Vinci Rose

Artistic. Abundant. A masterpiece in pink.

Meilland's 1993 tribute to the great master is a climbing rose of remarkable generosity: 2–3 meters of canes producing 7–10 cm blooms in red-pink and pink, each lasting 7–15 days — exceptional longevity — with a sweet fruity fragrance.

Very good disease resistance and a 4–5 week rebloom cycle make this one of the most reliable pink climbers you can grow. It's the workhorse with an artist's soul.

This is for you if… you want a pink climber that's both beautiful and bulletproof.

Heritage Rose

English. Romantic. Pure David Austin.

Bred by David Austin in 1984, Heritage is English rose romance in climbing form: 7–10 cm blooms in light pink and white-pink with a soft, delicate fruity fragrance. She climbs 2–3 meters and reblooms every 4–5 weeks.

Watch for two things: fungal pressure in rainy seasons (preventive care, good airflow), and aphids, which love those tender buds — treat early. With basic attention, she rewards you with some of the most romantic blooms in rosedom.

This is for you if… you dream of an English cottage garden — this is the rose that dream is made of.

Pink Peace Rose

Iconic. Grand. A living legend.

Bred by Meilland in 1959, Pink Peace is one of the most famous roses in history — the pink sport of the legendary Peace rose, itself the most famous rose of the 20th century. The 10–15 cm blooms in pink and pinkish-purple are simply enormous, with a rich, strong fragrance.

She climbs 1.5–2 meters and reblooms every 4–5 weeks. Aphids may visit — treat early — but this is a rose with seventy years of proven garden performance behind it. Legends earn their status.

This is for you if… you want to grow a piece of rose history — famous for very good reasons.

Training Tips for Part 1 Climbers 🌿

Start training early. Young canes are flexible; old canes are not. Begin tying in the first season.

Go horizontal. Fan canes out sideways along fences, or spiral them around pillars. Horizontal wood blooms along its whole length.

Match vigor to structure. Leonardo da Vinci and Heritage (2–3 m) need taller, sturdier supports than Princesse de Monaco and Pink Peace (1.5–2.5 m, 1.5–2 m).

Preventive care pays. Princesse de Monaco and Heritage both appreciate preventive fungicide in wet weather — a little effort for a lot of beauty.

Most climbing roses thrive in USDA zones 5–9 with full sun. Sow dates shift with your zone — adjust by a few weeks for your climate.

Timing matters in the garden. Our gardening tools hub has a seed-starting date calculator and a frost date finder to help you plan sowing around your local climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these is the most fragrant?
Pink Peace — rich and strong. Princesse de Monaco and Leonardo da Vinci are sweetly fruity; Heritage is soft and delicate.

Can I grow climbing roses from seed?
Yes — 6–8 weeks cold stratification, sow 1/4 inch deep. Expect 2–3 years to reach full climbing size.

Which is easiest for beginners?
Leonardo da Vinci — very good disease resistance, long-lasting blooms, and forgiving vigor.

How do I deal with aphids on Heritage and Pink Peace?
Check buds regularly, blast small colonies with water, and use insecticidal soap or neem for larger infestations. Early action wins.

Will these cover an arch?
Leonardo da Vinci and Heritage (2–3 m) will cover a standard arch in 2–3 seasons. The slightly shorter two suit pillars, obelisks, and fence sections.

Wrapping Things Up!

Four climbers, four personalities: royal elegance, artistic abundance, English romance, living legend.

Pick the one that matches your garden's dreams — or plant all four and let them argue it out in the most beautiful way possible.

And as always, if you ever need help choosing, planning, or growing… we're here! Browse the rose seed collection and our Growing Guides. Happy climbing! 🌹