"Island Cloud "

 

"Adelaide d'Orleans"

 
Rambling and Climbing Roses

Be sure to check out this article on Ramblers and Climbers, written for Coastal Grower magazine.

Whether climbing on trellises, over garden walls, fences, gateways and pillars or rambling over old buildings, the generally vigorous rambling and climbing roses offer the gardener an opportunity to add height to or provide a backdrop for an otherwise flat garden. Ramblers trace their origin to a variety of species roses, such as Rosa Wichuraiana and Rosa Multiflora, while most climbers originated as 'sports' of hybrid teas or other more modern shrub roses. We specialize in collecting old favourite, easy to grow rambling and climbing roses. Some varieties have become quite difficult to find. Climbers and Ramblers vary in their cold hardiness and in the ability of their canes to survive zones colder than 5 or 6 unless they are buried in winter. There are several newer Canadian Explorer Explorer Roses, bred for the colder climates, which can be used as climbers, such as John Davis and Henry Kelsey. Perhaps the most cold-tolerant rambler is "Polstjarnan" (Polestar) which originated in Finland (very vigorous).

The Ramblers

Rambling roses are older and closer to the wild roses found around the world. They are generally more vigorous and disease resistant than are the more modern climbers. After bearing huge trusses of small sweetly scented pastel or white flowers, ramblers will throw up several long pliable arching canes in one season, reaching a great distance and promising to provide garlands of colour for the following year. They are frequently covered with small brilliant red-orange hips throughout fall and winter, providing food for larger birds. [See "other" code column and the key below.] While there are a few exceptions, most Ramblers bloom only in summer. This "failing" is however compensated for many times over by the graceful arching structures they create which are literally covered with masses of flowers, the sweet scent in the air and the drifts of petals in June and July - a truly Victorian sight! Of the few repeating varieties, our favourites are New Dawn, Lady Godiva, Kiftsgate, Island Pearl, Paul's Himalayan Musk(all shade tolerant).

Scroll to bottom of this page for Photos of some varieties

Roses are available while quantities last. Varieties marked as 'sold out' may be available again next year. Remember to order early.
Our prices may vary from season to season depending on the plant size. See the bottom of this list for Key.

Note: Varieties marked 'N/A' will not be available for 2010.