At Mottisfont in Hampshire, the Rose Garden is a summer highlight. Jonny Bass, previous Head Gardener there, explains how to create a beautiful rose arch in your own garden.
A rose arch is a gorgeous garden feature that can transform any outdoor space into a romantic, fragrant retreat. With the right preparation and care, growing roses over an arch can create a breathtaking display of natural beauty in your own backyard.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to grow thriving roses over an archway, from choosing the perfect location to providing ongoing care and maintenance Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with a showstopping rose arch that becomes the focal point of your garden
Selecting the Ideal Spot
Choosing the right location is the first critical step for success when growing roses over an arch Here are the key factors to consider
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Sun exposure – Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom their best. Select a spot that receives sunlight for most of the day.
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Air circulation – Good air flow will help prevent disease. Choose a location with ample breathing room around the arch.
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Support structure – Pick a spot with a wall, fence or trellis nearby This provides support for attaching the arch.
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Soil conditions – Roses thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Amend if needed to improve drainage and fertility.
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Access – Ensure there’s enough space around the arch for care and maintenance. At least 3-4 feet on all sides is ideal.
Selecting the Perfect Rose Variety
When choosing rose varieties for an arch, look for types specifically labeled as climbers or ramblers. Some top varieties include:
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Climbing roses – Cecile Brunner, New Dawn, Don Juan
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Rambler roses – American Pillar, Dorothy Perkins, Zephirine Drouhin
Consider factors like fragrance, flower size, color and blooming habit. A mixture of varieties can extend the flowering season and provide diverse colors.
Setting up the Arch Structure
The arch itself provides the indispensable support and structure for your roses to climb. Here’s how to set it up:
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Materials – Wood, metal and stone arches are suitable. Ensure it’s weather-resistant and sturdy.
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Size – Dimensions depend on space and rose size. Typically 6-8 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide works well.
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Installation – Securely anchor the arch into the ground or attach to a wall or fence for support.
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Accessories – Add trellises, obelisks or panels to provide extra climbing support if needed.
Planting and Training the Roses
Once your arch structure is in place, it’s time to plant and train your roses. Follow these tips:
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Give each rose bush ample space – Plant them 3-4 feet apart on each side of the arch.
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Amend soil – Mix in compost or manure to provide nutrients.
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Train new canes – Tie young flexible stems to the arch as they grow to guide their growth.
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Prune regularly – Cut back stems each spring to shape the plant and encourage blooms.
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Provide support – Add plant ties, trellises and obelisks as needed for support as the roses grow.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
While roses are relatively low maintenance, they do require some regular care to thrive. Here are the key tasks:
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Water 1-2 inches per week – Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during the first year.
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Fertilize in spring – Use a balanced rose fertilizer according to package directions.
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Monitor for pests – Inspect regularly and treat for aphids, mites and other pests if found.
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Prune in late winter – Cut out dead wood and shape the plants to keep them tidy.
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Protect from weather – Add burlap or fabric wrapping to shield from harsh winter weather.
Solutions for Common Issues
Even with the best care, rose arches can sometimes run into problems. Here are some common challenges and fixes:
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Diseased plants – Improve air circulation. Remove affected areas. Disinfect tools after pruning diseased stems.
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Drooping canes – Tie stems to supports. Prune for open structure to allow airflow.
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Damaged arch – Reinforce loose sections. Repair any cracks, rot or deterioration. Add protective finishes.
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Pests – Remove by hand. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil treatments. Attract beneficial insects.
Creative Embellishment Ideas
Once your rose arch is flourishing, consider these fun ways to embellish it:
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Intertwine climbing vines or flowers around the base
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Add decorative pots or urns planted with annuals
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String fairy lights along the arch for a magical glow
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Hang wind chimes, lanterns or birdhouses from the crossbeam
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Install an arbor or trellis next to the arch for visual interest
With proper placement, setup, care and maintenance, growing roses over an arch can create an incredible garden focal point. Your rose arch will develop into an enchanting, aromatic retreat that you, your family and guests will treasure.
Choose an arch and roses
Find an arch that’s right for the space – you can use metal or wood. We use both at Mottisfont.
Choose between ramblers and climbers for your roses. Ramblers are what we use. They only flower for four weeks, but they grow quickly and make a lot of flowers. Climbers repeat-flower from early May throughout the summer. They grow more slowly but they’re easier to manage. Once you’ve chosen, buy two of the same rose. The variety Rosa gallica has wonderful blooms with heavenly scents.
Secure your arch in the ground and dig a planting hole at either side. The holes should be at least twice the size of the pot the roses are in. We also put mycorrhizal fungi in the hole and over the roots of the roses. Then we plant them firmly.
You’ll soon get long stems appearing. Spread them out and secure them to the arch using garden twine. It’s important not to remove long shoots, as these will become the flowering wood.
Keep the rose bushes watered
Cut the bottom off a plastic drinking bottle and remove the cap. Insert the bottle into the ground upside-down, near the roots of your rose. Keep it topped up with water to stop the rose drying out.
My Top Tips for Beautiful Climbing Roses! :: How I Care for My Eden Climbing Rose Arch
FAQ
How many roses for an arch?
How do you plant roses on an arbor?
Do I need a trellis for climbing roses?
How do you plant a Rose Arch?
Arches can be made of metal or wood and need to be thoroughly secured into the ground. Plant one climbing rose on either side of the arch and train the stems as they grow up the frame. The aim is to give even coverage of the archway, with the two roses meeting in the center at the top.
How do you plant climbing roses?
An arch is a great focal point that raises blooms beautifully into the air. Arches can be made of metal or wood and need to be thoroughly secured into the ground. Plant one climbing rose on either side of the arch and train the stems as they grow up the frame.
How do you plant a rose in a hole?
Gardeners recommend adding organic Rose-tone to the hole and mixing it well. Plant the rose firmly inside the hole and cover. General recommendation is to plant the rose into the ground in the cooler months (April to June in moderate climate). TIP: When planting the rose into the ground, mind the climate you are gardening in.
How many rose plants should be planted in a Rose Arch?
If you want full coverage, you should choose to plant two rose plants, one at each corner of the arch. For dramatic effect, you can mix and match different colours and bloom type. As both plants bloom, blooms will intertwine and render you unable to see through to the structural element. Which rose type is best for rose arches?
Can a climbing rose grow on a wall?
Nothing is more charming than a climbing rose trained to bloom all along a garden wall or to drape gracefully over an arbor. Before adding a climbing rose to your garden, consider the type and sturdiness of the structure you plan to use.
How do you attach climbing roses?
The main stems are then gently encouraged to climb up the support and secured into place. When it comes to tying the climbing roses into place, he adds: ‘I would recommend using soft, flexible ties or twine made from natural materials like jute or soft plant ties. These materials are gentle on the stems and allow for flexibility as the rose grows.