Transform your roses into a mesmerizing cascade up a tall, stately obelisk: Follow these steps for a stunning display.
Rose-ing Up the Vertical Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide to Climbing Roses on Obelisks
Ready to add some dramatic flair to your flower borders? Training compact climbing roses up tall obelisks can be a stunning vertical addition to your garden. Here's our no-nonsense guide on choosing the right cultivars, preparation, and training techniques.
Cultivar Selection
Opt for compact climbing roses, such as 'Bleu Magenta,' 'Malgold,' or 'Kiftsgate,' to fit perfectly with obelisks. However, consider the smaller versions of popular large cultivars like 'Kiftsgate.' For true compact climbers, "Rosa multiflora" is a great option due to its fast growth and ease of trainability, although it can be quite vigorous.[5] Make sure to verify the mature size and habit before purchase.
Preparation
Select a sturdy obelisk standing at least 6-8 feet tall, made of durable materials like galvanized steel or treated wood for longevity. For instance, Agriframes’ Classic Rose Obelisk offers robust support with installation legs that go 30-38 cm into the ground for stability.[3] Plant your rose near the obelisk's base at the appropriate height, loosely tie young canes to the structure using soft twine or flexible plant ties, and ensure the obelisk is firmly anchored in the ground.[1][4]
Training Techniques
After new canes emerge, gently guide them up the obelisk using a spiral or fan pattern. This encourages side shoots and maximizes flower coverage. As the plant grows, adjust the ties without over-tightening to avoid damaging the canes.[2] Regularly check the ties and remove faded flowers to promote reblooming if your chosen cultivar allows.
Growing Tips
- Sunlight: Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the establishment period.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and after the first flush of blooms.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weeds.
With these simple steps, you can successfully train compact climbing roses up tall obelisks, transforming your flower borders into enchantingvertical delights[3][4][5]. Happy gardening!
📝 Optional Bonus Content
- Tried and true key cultivars from Libby Russell's garden.
- Best roses to grow for rosehips.
- Six common myths about growing roses, debunked.
- Tips for growing roses specifically for cut flowers.
🌱 Learn More
Explore more of Graham Lloyd-Brunt's work at lloydbrunt.com for additional insights into designing beautiful and harmonious gardens in London and beyond.
- Enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by adding compact climbing roses, such as 'Bleu Magenta,' 'Malgold,' or 'Kiftsgate,' climbing up obelisks to create a vertical garden display.
- For an eye-catching addition to flower borders, consider growing more vigorous cultivars like 'Rosa multiflora' on taller obelisks, as they can reach maturity within a few years with proper training techniques.
- By following our step-by-step guide, transform your home-and-garden lifestyle by growing climbing roses in various styles, from enchanting vertical delights to spectacular home-and-garden boundaries, and delight in the beauty they bring to your lifestyle.
