I have read folks here advise before that if you can get the climber to grow tall enough before the tree leafs out, that it will be fine. If it is tall enough to get sunlight once the tree is leafed out, you are golden.

I'm not sure what type of decline you would see if it ended up in too much shade once the tree blooms.

Excellent points KS makes !! What a beautiful bed and I know that tree is a stunner . I think Peggy Martin would be nice as it blooms early . Also cl pinky if you want more bloom ? My other suggestion is a clematis, such as markhams pink or maybe a montana but I have never grown a Montana to be sure. But they bloom early and would put on quite a show !

I would suggest 'Kathleen Harrop', the lighter sport of 'Zephirine Drouhin'. The shrubs you have around the tree will likely need regular trimming, so you don't want something very prickly, and KH is virtually thornless. It should have a nice full flush before the tree leafs out in June, with some scattered repeat later in the season.

:-)

~Christopher

I've read that Cl. Iceberg is quite beautiful, that might be worth trying.

Thank you all for your generous advice. Growing roses can be almost like a science project. Even if you don’t care for science, it’s always fun to experiment with different ways of growing different roses in different situations.

KS - thank you for your valuable input and taking time to explain the points; they are excellent points. After viewing mariannese's photo, I realized the Chaste tree does not really have the space for any climbing rose to thrive. Whatever rose goes there will either overwhelm the tree or under perform. You are correct - I do have a relatively contemporary design in the garden that embraces clean, crisp, and orderly lines so a bushy wild looking climber will probably add a great amount of randomness that the overall design won't prefer.

JC - I do have the same concern with the performance of the rose after the tree leafed out. I am totally OK if it does not bloom after first flush but if the shade will actually stunt its growth or cause disease (hot and humid here in summer), I am not setting the rose up for success.

Lilyfinch - I think I should probably look for an early blooming small size clematis like you said. They are more lightweight and airy and most of all, easier to manage than rose. The annual pruning of this Chaste tree already is quite a job.

Aquaeyes - I just looked Kathleen Harrop up as I am not so familiar with old garden rose. What a beautiful hue of pink!

Ingrid - I actually picked up two Cl. Iceberg at Home Depot the other day. At the time I was inclining to trial and error so the bare root ones are relatively low cost if the idea fell through. Now I found a better place for them (at the sunny spot next to the new tool shed 8'x10'); I am sure they will be much happier with such arrangement as they will have so much space (the shed walls and roof) to develop.

Stephanie - I did look up Hybrid Musk class of rose per your suggestion. Cornelia has such a wonderful bi-color look and Felicia is so lovely! I am not so familiar with old garden rose yet, but I will get there soon (bought good books).

Thanks again for all your knowledge!

zzzone, I've heard only good things about Cl. Iceberg, and look forward to pictures when your two specimens grow larger and bloom. I'm sure they'll look wonderful in the places you intend for them.