Climbing Roses

Ever-Blooming Climbing Roses   Sensational garden design not only carries your eyes across the garden but also up, down and all around.  One way to add vertical interest is with climbing roses.  In my opinion there are few impressive, ever-blooming roses in this category.  Many have heard me rave about ‘Ramblin’ Red’, a double red beauty with blue-green leaves that is hardy to Zone 3.  It blooms almost non-stop here in my gardens from June through October with not a trace of black spot.  It can be tricky to get your hands on; mail-order may be the best way.  Two other mighty climbers are ‘Winner’s Circle’ and ‘Cancan’.  Both were developed by Bill Radler, the same breeder who introduced Knockout Roses.  ‘Winner’s Circle’ has dark red, single flowers.  It is hardy to Zone 5 and grows 6’ – 8’.   ‘Cancan’ gets slightly taller, 10’, and the flowers are shades of magenta, pink and cream.  The rose’s name was inspired by the colorful multiple layer dresses females wore while dancing the Cancan in a chorus line.   Both roses are extremely disease resistant.  ‘Winner’s Circle’ and ‘Cancan’ will be available this spring at Faddegon’s Nursery (http://www.faddegons.com/) in Latham, NY.  I’m a tad nervous about revealing this as I’m envisioning something like a ‘stage rush’ for them, but as my Mom always reminded me “Mind your manners”.