How to grow a climbing rose in a pot?

Which climbing rose varieties are best for pot cultivation?

For container growing, we recommend opting for varieties with rather slow growth and small sizes, with a height at ripeness not exceeding approximately 2 metres. In pots, their dimensions will naturally be more limited than in open ground.

Conversely, avoid larger and more vigorous varieties that can reach heights of 3 to 4 metres.

Consider the following cultivars, for example:

• The ‘Mini Eden Rose’ climbing rose, a small climbing variety ideal for tight spaces, with a silhouette reaching 1.8 metres in height and 1.2 metres in spread. It is adorned throughout the summer with round, plump flowers in a lovely candy pink.
• The ‘Eyeconic’ climbing rose, another miniature version barely exceeding 1 metre in height in a pot. Its charming hibiscus-like flowers add a true exotic touch. This rose offers a long flowering period from spring until the first frosts.
• The ‘Blush Noisette’ climbing rose, an old variety that has the advantage of being low thorned, making it ideal for growing near pathways. The double summer flowering in a soft pale pink exudes a spicy fragrance.
• The ‘Rose de Tolbiac’ climbing rose, offering double pastel pink flowers mixed with apricot and lightly scented. It measures 2 metres in height and approximately 80 cm in spread, flowering from summer to autumn.
• The ‘Florentina’ climbing rose, an ADR rose that is very resilient, producing double bright red flowers in an old-fashioned style. It measures 2 metres in height and 80 cm in spread.
• The ‘Perennial Blue’ climbing rose, with its cup-shaped roses full of vitality all summer long. It is considered a small climber, as it does not exceed 2 metres in height.

→ Also, check out our article: “Which climbing rose to choose for container growing?.

‘Mini Eden Rose’ rose, ‘Blush Noisette’ rose, ‘Rose de Tolbiac’ rose, and ‘Perennial Blue’ rose

When to plant a climbing rose in a pot?

If your climbing rose is in a pot or container, it can be planted almost all year round, except during frost or summer drought periods.

If you choose a plant with bare roots, usually available between November and March during the dormant period, planting should be done immediately after purchase. This prevents the roots from drying out and encourages successful establishment.

How to grow a climbing rose in a pot?

The Choice of Container

As the root system of climbing roses is quite substantial, plan for a large container. Ideally, it should have a depth of at least 50 cm, ideally 70 to 80 cm. We recommend choosing the final container suitable for the adult size of your climbing rose right from the start.

It is essential to choose a perforated or slatted container, so that excess water can drain easily without risking damage to the roots.

In terms of material, terracotta allows the substrate and root system to breathe better than a plastic container. A large wooden trough can also be suitable for your climbing rose, but will require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration.

Scene of flowering pots. The climbing roses have been planted in large round pots.

The Substrate

Roses are greedy plants, enjoying a rich substrate that is regularly amended to bloom well. Most climbing varieties have repeat flowering, so they need quality soil rich in organic matter throughout their growth.

However, the substrate must remain well-drained to avoid any water stagnation that could suffocate the roots.

At planting, opt for a mixture composed of:

• 2/3 garden soil or potting soil
• 1/3 of rose soil, well-decomposed household compost or mature manure

The Planting

A few minutes before you start planting your climbing rose in a pot, soak the plant in a container filled with water, preferably rainwater, to rehydrate the root ball. This will also facilitate the removal from the container.

If your rose is bare-rooted, proceed with root pralinage, using homemade pralin or a store-bought pralin. For more information, we invite you to consult our article: Coating the roots of trees and bushes with pralin.

1. Install a drainage layer of about 5 cm at the bottom of the container, made of gravel, terracotta shards, clay balls or pouzzolane;
2. Add substrate up to 1/3 of the container;
3. Lightly scratch the root ball if your climbing rose was in a container, to free the roots and encourage recovery;
4. Trim any broken or damaged branches;
5. Place the rose in the centre of the container, slightly angled towards the future support;
6. Add substrate without burying the grafting point (the part located between the stems and the roots);
7. Firm down and top up with the substrate mixture if necessary;
8. Water generously;
9. Mulch around the base of the rose to keep the soil cool for longer and prevent the development of adventives (“weeds”). For this, use straw, RCW or any other mulch for roses.

RCW (photo arpent nourricier – Flickr)

The Support

To grow vertically and develop well, the long woody climbing stems of climbing roses need support. They should be trained at the time of planting.

No matter the area where you want your rose to climb, you will need to provide a sturdy support system, such as using a trellis against a wall.

The main framework branches will be attached using flexible but strong ties (string, tie collars, etc.), to allow the stems to develop while being supported. The secondary branches and new stems will be gently arched to create a harmonious silhouette and encourage flowering.