Climbing rose or liana rose: what's the difference?

What is the difference between a climbing rose and a liana rose?

Climbing roses are more delicate and more modest in size, reaching up to 3.50 m in height. They are better suited to a small gazebo, an arch or a trellis. Most of them are perpetual, capable of reflowering. Their flowers are generally large and can be solitary, isolated or in small clusters. Climbing roses create a very romantic effect!

Liana roses are much more vigorous. They can climb into trees, cover a large pergola or any other imposing support. They can climb very high, sometimes reaching more than 10 m in height. They grow quickly and can cover a large area in little time. They send out long, flexible woody climbing stems and quickly attain significant size. Moreover, flowering of liana roses is impressive. They produce a large number of flowers, gathered in clusters. In general, they are not perpetual, flowering only once a year (in spring or summer).

Once established, the climbing rose needs more maintenance: it requires regular pruning, unlike the liana rose, which can more easily be left to its own devices, without intervention. However, the latter can cause overcrowding and invade other plants; in some cases intervention will be necessary to keep it in check.

Liana rose Rosa banksiae var. lutea (photo Midori)

Which one to choose based on your use?

For a romantic effect on a small arbour or against a wall, choose a climbing rose. They are delicate, easier to manage, less invasive and lighter for the support. They can more easily be paired with other plants, such as clematis, or with perennials in a border, without risking smothering them.

Liana roses, on the other hand, are perfect for hiding a wall or covering a large pergola, etc. Choose them if you have lots of space, a large garden or a big area to cover. You will need to choose a large, sturdy support capable of bearing their weight. They also allow quick and effective concealment of an unsightly wall, shed or structure. Liana roses can also be used to cover a bank.

In summary:

This table provides general guidance. In practice, everything depends on size of your support and effect you want to achieve!

Climbing rose ‘Albertine’ (photo Spedona)

Some examples of climbing roses

Rosa Ghislaine de Féligonde - Climbing Rose

This elegant rose produces many small, fully double, fairly rounded, fragrant flowers. They are first yellow-orange when young, then become paler, almost white. A beautiful blend of soft shades.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 3 m

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Rosa Pierre de Ronsard - Climbing Rose

This climbing rose bears large solitary flowers of a soft pink colour. It is perpetual. It flowers throughout summer. It is robust and hardy.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Rosa x Noisette 'Madame Alfred Carrière'

This very fragrant rose bears large double flowers in a white–pale pink shade. With its delicate flowering, it will fit perfectly into a romantic garden! Besides being vigorous and perpetual, it has very few thorns!

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 4 m

See the product sheet

Some examples of liana roses

Rosa x wichuraiana 'Albertine' - Rambling Rose

'Albertine' is a rose that flowers in early or medium summer, and then becomes covered with a multitude of pink-salmon flowers. They are double, with crinkled-looking petals, and have a strong fragrance. It is a robust rose, fairly disease-resistant, and can become very large.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 6 m

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Rosa x moschata 'Paul's Himalayan Musk' - Rambling Rose

This vigorous rose produces countless small semi-double scented light-pink flowers in early summer. It also reaches impressive proportions.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 8 m

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Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' - Rambling Rose

This is a variety of Banks' rose with yellow flowers. In spring it offers abundant flowering made up of small double flowers gathered in clusters. Its very bright flowering is appreciated, offering a change from the many varieties with pink flowers. It is very vigorous and is rarely affected by diseases.

• Flowering time May to July
• Height at maturity 12 m

See the product sheet

To learn more

• Discover all our tips to successfully grow climbing roses in pots.