Climbing Roses

Climbing Rose 'Dublin Bay' and Clematis 'Jackmanii Superba'

I was just looking at my rose spreadsheet and I counted 50 names. This includes all of them, including a miniature in a pot. Of course, that number is probably incorrect as I am always finding plants that I forgot to put on the inventory list.

A large number of these roses are climbing types. I have always loved climbing roses, spilling over walls and arbors, and intermingling with vines and other plants.

Many of the roses are the same ones I grew in Alabama and some are completely new ones for me. One of these is 'Dublin Bay' which is on the gate/arbor entry in front. This is a modern rose, introduced in 1974, and has 'Altissimo' and 'Bantry Bay' as parentage. I've seen it described as a "climbing floribunda" and it actually grows in the habit of a floribunda before achieving a more vertical status. According to my notes, I planted this on March 4, 2016 so this is its fourth year. It is just now reaching the top of the arch. The roses are a deep, velvety red but it doesn't have a strong fragrance.

'Dublin Bay' with Spanish Lavender

On the other side, just planted last year, is 'Veilchenblau', a rambler rose that I grew in the past and knew that I must have it again. It is a once-bloomer but so beautiful and unique that it is worth pursuing. It is starting to take off with new growth this year and bloomed for the first time.

'Veilchenblau'

'Don Juan' is another red velvet rose that is planted along the front fence. It has not been that vigorous and has had several canes that look bad. I am keeping an eye on it. Gorgeous rose though!

'Don Juan'

Another red one - 'Red Eden' - has improved greatly from last year and has been loaded with blooms. 

'Red Eden'

I must say that I have been disappointed with the pink 'Eden' which shares the moon arch with 'Phyllis Bide'. The flowers ball and turn an ugly brown color. Blackspot was rampant on it last year and looks to be a repeat this year. This one may get the heave ho. I've never been happy with the color of the two roses together. Problem is, I'm not sure what color would look good with 'Phyllis'.

'Eden'

On the other side, 'Phyllis Bide' is just spectacular. It also had a repeat performance last year.

'Phyllis Bide'

Perhaps I should have used 'Westerland' as a neighbor to 'Phyllis'. This is one of my favorites. I read that it was one of the best climbing roses for the Pacific Northwest. I am crazy about orange now and this rose is certainly a dazzler.

'Westerland'

Another option would have been 'Buff Beauty' which I am growing as a shrub. One of my favorite roses. It has attained gigantic proportions here. It just keeps growing!

'Buff Beauty'

Another out-of-control giant is 'Climbing Iceberg'. It is a great rose but not really the best rose to adhere to a pillar. I should have thought more about this one.

'Climbing Iceberg'

I think 'Cornelia' looks great against the new purple wall -

'Cornelia'

'Cornelia'

Some new additions -

'Lamarque', a white noisette -

'Alchymist'

In my next post, I will show a few photos of the David Austin roses that we have.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy