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How do I train a climbing rose to grow on a fence?

14 years ago

I'm a garden newbie, and I planted 3 different climbing roses against a wooden fence this spring, not really thinking about how to train them to climb on the fence. The fence is 5' 3" high, then there's a 10" gap that's topped off with a decorative wood frame, so the whole thing is 6' 7" high. I planted Cecile de Bruner, Iceberg and Polka. I guess I need a trellis against the fence, and was thinking about using the wire grid that's used for reinforcing cement and attaching it to the fence. Has anyone tried that? Does it work? What other ideas have worked for you?

I really appreciate your help, and all the information I have gotten from the rose forum. And the photos are wonderful!

Featured Answer

buford

14 years ago

Instead of a trellis, you could use eye hooks and wire. You string the wire at 12 inch intervals and then you can tie the canes horizontally to the wire. Eventually you will have canes horizontally along the fence.

I did this with two climbers on the front of my house and it is much easier to upkeep than a trellis. One of those is Iceberg. Here is how it looked this spring:

{{gwi:283185}}

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Comments (8)

roseman
14 years ago
Tie the canes to the fence with twist ties or old panty hose. Climbrs don't climb of their own volition, you have to help them.
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hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
14 years ago
was thinking about using the wire grid that's used for reinforcing cement and attaching it to the fence

This is an excellent idea, I would do that. Put spacers (like blocks of wood) between the grid and the fence so there is air circulation, which will benefit both the rose and the fence. Make sure the grid is very well attached and make sure the fence itself is sturdy, because climbers can eventually get quite heavy.
jlalfred
14 years ago
Eye hooks screwed into the wood. Then use cable ties.
You can buy long thin ones and adjust them as needed.
silvalion
14 years ago
Hi, (For anyone who may have an answer) I have a similar situation but my roses are in front of a brick wall. I didn't realize they were climbers, thought they were shrubs but now I have several long shoots that are flopping over. They would look pretty climbing up the brick, so how do I get them to train up a brick wall? Or should I just trim back and keep them as shrubs?
alisande
14 years ago
Silvalion, see Buford's pic above. And check out the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wall Trellis Kit
diana_noil
14 years ago
That is so pretty Buford! What kind of wire did you use?
marcia638
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks everyone for your help. Buford, your Iceberg looks so graceful on the wall. I can only hope that mine will look 1/2 as good. I'm still a little unclear as to how the climbers get shaped..it looks like you might be trimming back the canes so as not to grow over the window? Or do you just let them grow at will? And what kind of wire are you using...it must have to be very strong...I have searched and searched the web and several rose books for specific answers on training climbing roses against fences and walls. I'm amazed at how little information I can find.

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