do climbing roses have thorns

Do Climbing Roses Have Thorns?

Climbing roses are known for their vigorous growth habits and ability to cover vertical spaces like trellises, arbors, and walls. But one thing that deters some gardeners from growing them is their thorns. So do climbing roses have thorns?

The short answer is yes, most climbing roses do have thorns along their canes. However, the density and sharpness of thorns can vary greatly depending on the specific variety. There are also a few thornless or nearly thornless climbing roses to choose from.

Why Do Roses Have Thorns?

Thorns, also called prickles, form on the stems of roses mainly as a defense mechanism against animals or environmental damage Their sharp points deter browsing by deer, rodents, and livestock

Thorns may also help anchor climbing canes to trellises for support. They provide friction to keep stems from slipping as the weight of foliage increases.

Some theories suggest thorns regulate temperature and moisture loss by decreasing air flow around stems. They may also channel water downwards towards the roots.

While their purpose is debated, having thorns confers an evolutionary advantage for wild rose species survival and reproduction. This protective trait has been passed down to modern cultivated roses.

Thorns are an Inherited Trait

The presence of thorns is inherent to the genetics of each rose variety. Some inherit denser thorns while others have fewer due to selective breeding over time.

Species roses like Rosa multiflora or Rosa rugosa have the most abundant thorns. This reflects their origin as wild, naturalized roses where thorns are vital for persistence.

Modern hybrids and cultivars have been bred to focus on ornamental traits like flower size, color, and fragrance. Thorn density often decreases during hybridization, but they are rarely eliminated completely.

Climbing Roses Tend to Have More Thorns

In general, climbing rose varieties have more numerous and larger thorns compared to shrub types. This is related to their vigorous growth.

Fast-growing canes on climbing roses build thicker stem tissues to support their considerable length and foliage mass. More cells form protective thorns as the canes elongate and expand diameter.

The longer canes of climbers also provide more surface area for thorns to develop over than compact shrubs. More momentum from their heavy weight gives thorns a functional purpose for grip.

Thorns are generally most prevalent on older canes or at the base of stems where friction against supports creates wear. New season’s growth may have fewer until maturation.

There are exceptions where some bush-type shrub roses have dense thorns while a few climbers are quite smooth-stemmed. But vigorous genetics of most climbing roses lend to abundant thorns.

Thorn Density Depends on the Variety

While climbers tend to be thornier overall, there is significant variety in thorniness between cultivars:

• Thornless Climbers – A few unique roses like ‘America’ or ‘Golden Showers’ have stems devoid of thorns. Others like ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’ and ‘Edith’s Darling’ are nearly smooth.

• Light Thorns – Varieties including ‘Pinkie’, ‘Awakening’, and ‘Eden’ have scattered small prickles along young stems that diminish with age.

• Moderate Thorns – Many common climbers like ‘Don Juan’, ‘New Dawn’, and ‘Joseph’s Coat’ have noticeable thorns dispersed along canes.

• Dense Thorns – Vigorous old varieties and multiflora hybrids often have plentiful large thorns, especially on mature canes. Examples are ‘American Pillar’, ‘Blaze’, and ‘Mary Wallace’.

• Sharp Thorns – Some roses like ‘Silver Moon’ have particularly sharp, needle-like prickles while others are blunt.

The climbing habit allows any density of thorns to persist unlike shrub roses where thornless varieties were preferentially bred. Know the typical thorniness of a variety before planting to determine proper siting.

Where to Site Thorny Climbing Roses

Thorns should be taken into account when choosing sites for climbing roses in the landscape:

• Along walls, fences, or pillars where they won’t be brushed against. This takes advantage of their vertical growing habit without thorns being a hazard.

• Against structures like sheds, garages, or barns where occasional scratches from thorns reaching outward are not a concern.

• Along borders, property lines, or enclosing gardens rather than near walkways or entries where visitors may pass closely by.

• Away from areas frequented by children or pets vulnerable to pokes from thorns.

• Surrounding outdoor living spaces very carefully to avoid thorns detracting from enjoyment. Place thornless varieties in seating areas.

With thoughtful placement, thorny climbing roses can safely enhance vertical structures without becoming a nuisance.

Caring for Climbing Roses with Thorns

While thorns make climbing roses harder to prune or train, a few strategies can limit hassle:

• Prune in late winter when plants are dormant. Canes are most pliable and thorns adhere tightly to the stems.

• Use thick leather rose gloves and long sleeves when handling prickly canes. This prevents painful scratches.

• Employ bypass pruners on extension poles to prune high canes from a distance. Loppers are ideal for cutting older thick stems.

• Tie stems gently to supports using soft ties or garlands. Don’t force or abrade thorny canes.

• Remove ties periodically and retie loose canes to prevent rubbing that exaggerates thorns.

• Position thorny varieties on supports where they can ramble freely requiring minimal pruning or training.

While thorns make maintenance more challenging, proper precautions and timing can limit frustration.

Should Thorns Deter You From Climbing Roses?

For most gardeners, the thorns of climbing roses are a manageable tradeoff for their benefits like:

• Gorgeous blooms on repeats over the season
• Dramatic vertical impact covering structures
• Versatile growth habits from modest to extremely vigorous
• Varied flower forms, colors, and growth habits to choose from
• Attractive display of hips in autumn and winter

The right placement, precautions, and care measures allow even thorny climbing roses to make a sensational garden accent. Their floral rewards far outweigh the inconvenience of a few prickles for many rose enthusiasts.

But if thorns are a major concern, there are less thorny alternatives like:

• Thornless climbing rose varieties
• Clematis vines
• Evergreen vines like trumpet honeysuckle or jasmine
• Annual vines like morning glory, moonflower, or hyacinth bean

For most areas, some type of climbing rose can be found that offers the ideal blend of beauty and thornless stems. Don’t let thorns stop you from enjoying these versatile garden treasures!