How to Grow Roses on a Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
Growing roses on a wall not only adds a splash of color to your garden but also transforms an ordinary wall into a stunning floral display. Climbing roses, with their vigorous growth and beautiful blooms, are particularly well-suited for this purpose.
If you’ve seen my How to Prune Petunias video, you know I think it’s more helpful to watch a tutorial video, then read about how to do it. So be to look for my video at the end of the post showing you how to train climbing roses without a trellis!
Here’s how you can successfully grow roses on a wall, from selecting the right varieties to providing them with the care they need to thrive.
My rose wall uses Pink Iceberg roses.
Step 1: Select the Right Rose Variety
Not all roses are suitable for growing on a wall. Look for climbing or rambling rose varieties, as these have long, flexible canes that can be trained against a structure. Some popular climbing rose varieties include ‘New Dawn’, ‘Climbing Peace’, and ‘Eden’. Rambling roses like ‘Albertine’ and ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ are also excellent choices for their vigorous growth and ability to cover large areas.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Roses require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom profusely. Choose a wall that receives ample sunlight and is away from the shade of large trees or buildings. The site should also have well-drained soil, as roses do not like wet feet.
Step 3: Prepare the Wall
Before planting your roses, prepare the wall by installing a trellis or wire support system. This will give the rose canes something to cling to as they grow. Make sure the support is securely attached to the wall to handle the weight of the plant as it matures. I prefer to use nails and twine to secure roses, versus trellis’s.
Step 4: Planting Your Roses
When planting your roses, dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Mix in some well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil. Place the rose in the hole so that the graft union (the swollen part where the stems join the roots) is just above soil level. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
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Step 5: Training the Canes
As your rose begins to grow, gently guide the canes onto your support structure. Tie them loosely with soft garden twine or special rose ties to avoid damaging the stems. Arrange the canes horizontally as much as possible, as this encourages more lateral growth and results in a fuller plant with more blooms.
Step 6: Ongoing Care
Roses need regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist. Apply a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced rose fertilizer and again in mid-summer to encourage continuous blooming.
Pruning is also essential for maintaining the health and shape of your climbing rose. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or diseased wood and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Cut back side shoots to a few inches to stimulate flowering.
Create a Rose Wall!
How to Train Climbing Roses
Conclusion
With a bit of planning and care, growing roses on a wall can be a rewarding gardening project. The sight and scent of blooming roses adorning your wall will be a source of joy and pride. Remember to choose the right varieties, provide a sturdy support system, and give them the care they need to thrive. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a breathtaking floral display that enhances the beauty of your garden.
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