The Beauty of Old Fashioned Climbing Roses

Old fashioned climbing roses are some of the most beautiful and classic plants for any garden or outdoor space. These roses have been around for centuries, and their popularity only continues to grow. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes these roses so special and how you can incorporate them into your own garden.

What are Old Fashioned Climbing Roses?

Old fashioned climbing roses are a type of rose plant that grows in a vine-like fashion. They typically have larger blooms than other types of climbing roses, and they come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. These roses are also known for their strong fragrance, making them a popular choice for gardens and outdoor spaces.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When it comes to choosing the right old fashioned climbing roses for your garden, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the color of the roses and how they will complement the rest of your garden. You should also consider the size of the plant and how much space it will need to grow. Some popular varieties of old fashioned climbing roses include 'New Dawn', 'Climbing Iceberg', and 'Madame Alfred Carriere'.

New Dawn

This rose is a soft pink color and has large, fragrant blooms. It grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 20 feet. This makes it a great choice for covering walls, trellises, and fences.

Climbing Iceberg

Climbing Iceberg is a white rose with clusters of small, fragrant flowers. It is a repeat bloomer, meaning it will produce flowers throughout the growing season. This rose can reach heights of up to 15 feet and is a great choice for trellises and archways.

Madame Alfred Carriere

Madame Alfred Carriere is a classic climbing rose with fragrant white blooms. It can grow up to 20 feet in height and is a great choice for covering large walls or trellises. This rose is also known for its disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance choice for any garden.

Planting and Care Tips

Old fashioned climbing roses are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind when planting them. First, make sure you choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. You should also prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

When planting your roses, be sure to give them plenty of space to grow. Old fashioned climbing roses can become quite large, so make sure you plant them at least 3-4 feet apart. You should also provide support for the roses, such as a trellis, archway, or fence.

To care for your old fashioned climbing roses, water them regularly and fertilize them once a month during the growing season. Prune your roses in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth.

Benefits of Old Fashioned Climbing Roses

There are many benefits to planting old fashioned climbing roses in your garden or outdoor space. For one, these roses are incredibly beautiful and add a classic touch to any landscape. They also provide a strong fragrance that can fill your yard with a pleasant aroma.

Additionally, old fashioned climbing roses are a great way to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden. These insects play an important role in pollination and can help your garden thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall do old fashioned climbing roses grow?

A: Old fashioned climbing roses can reach heights of up to 20 feet, depending on the variety.

Q: Do old fashioned climbing roses need support?

A: Yes, old fashioned climbing roses should be supported with a trellis, archway, or fence to help them grow properly.

Q: What colors do old fashioned climbing roses come in?

A: Old fashioned climbing roses come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow.

Q: How often should I water my old fashioned climbing roses?

A: Old fashioned climbing roses should be watered regularly, about once a week during the growing season.

Q: When should I prune my old fashioned climbing roses?

A: Old fashioned climbing roses should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth.


Old fashioned climbing roses are a beautiful and classic addition to any garden or outdoor space. With their large blooms, strong fragrance, and variety of colors, these roses are sure to make a statement in your landscape. By choosing the right varieties and providing proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of old fashioned climbing roses for years to come.