Roses are timeless garden favorites, loved for their stunning beauty and enchanting fragrance. Climbing roses, in particular, are absolutely breathtaking—perfect for dressing up arbors, trellises, fences, and walls. If you adore their scent and appearance, consider planting climbing roses that bloom all summer long—and even into spring and fall.
One of the most important things to think about when growing climbing roses is whether they bloom once or repeatedly. Single-blooming varieties produce one lavish flush of flowers, typically in late spring or early summer. Many rambling roses and some older types fall into this category. On the other hand, repeat-blooming roses can flower continuously throughout the season—though some varieties are more consistent than others.
Growing Climbing Roses
If you’re new to growing roses, you’ll be glad to know that climbers have similar care needs to other rose types. The biggest difference is pruning—climbing roses require training to encourage long stems and help them cover structures. Without proper pruning, the canes will grow long and just flop over onto the ground.
Besides picking a variety with a long blooming season, consider your growing conditions. The rose you choose should be suited to your hardiness zone, soil type, and the sunlight and water available.
To help you get started, here are some dependable, beautiful, and continuously blooming rose varieties. For the best display, remember to deadhead spent blooms throughout the season—this encourages new buds and flowers.
1. Iceberg
If you love white roses with a delicate, sweet scent, ‘Iceberg’ is a must-have. A favorite among rose growers, it’s known for its vigorous growth, abundant flowers, and large, snow-white blooms. This climber reaches up to 15 feet (4.6m) tall and 6 feet (1.8m) wide.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in USDA zones 4–9
- Needs full sun and moist, well-drained soil
- Watch for black spot—prune for good airflow to reduce disease risk
2. Zephirine Drouhin
This heirloom variety has been cherished for over a century. ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ features large, deep pink blooms that flower reliably from late spring to early fall, with a rich, captivating fragrance.
Growing Tips:
- Hardy in zones 5–11 (can reach 15 feet/4.5m in warm climates)
- Prefers full sun but tolerates some shade
- Needs moist, well-drained soil
3. New Dawn
For nonstop blooms on a fast-growing plant, ‘New Dawn’ is an excellent choice. This vigorous climber grows up to 20 feet (6m) tall and 10 feet (3m) wide, producing soft pink flowers from June through September.
Growing Tips:
- Disease-resistant and low-maintenance
- Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil
- Prune yearly and deadhead regularly
4. Fourth of July
Named for its festive red-and-white striped semi-double blooms, ‘Fourth of July’ flowers repeatedly and smells like fresh apples.
Growing Tips:
- Tough—tolerates urban pollution
- Best in zones 6–9
- Requires full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil
5. Royal Sunset
This repeat bloomer has lovely apricot-colored flowers against glossy dark green leaves, with a sweet, fruity fragrance. Stiff canes make training a bit tricky, but it spreads up to 10 feet (3m) wide.
Growing Tips:
- Grows in zones 6–10
- Needs full sun and loamy, well-drained soil
6. Lady of Shalott
A compact option for small spaces, ‘Lady of Shalott’ reaches about 4 feet (1.2m) tall and wide, with salmon-orange blooms and a subtle spicy scent.
Growing Tips:
- Hardy in zones 4–11
- Prefers full sun (tolerates partial shade)
- Plant in rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soil
7. Don Juan
For a classic red rose, ‘Don Juan’ is unbeatable. Its velvety, bright red double blooms have a strong, sweet-fruity fragrance and rebloom with deadheading.
Growing Tips:
- Best in zones 6–10
- Plant in full sun with rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Less hardy—monitor for pests/diseases