From compact shrub and patio roses to enormous ramblers, there are thousands of rose varieties to choose from. Many roses perform well in pots and containers, which means they can be grown in the smallest of spaces.
Its best not to grow rambling roses in pots. These are much more vigorous than other types of rose and would need a very large container to provide the root space needed to sustain their growth. Whichever rose you settle on, most roses will respond well to deadheading.
Climbing roses are popular choices for gardens because of their ability to cover fences, trellises, arches, and pergolas with beautiful blooms and lush greenery. While they are most commonly planted in the ground, you can also grow climbing roses successfully in pots. With the right pot, soil, support structure, and care, container-grown climbing roses can thrive and enhance your outdoor space
Choosing the Right Climbing Roses for Pots
Not all climbing roses do well in pots, so it’s important to select compact varieties that will work in a container environment. Good options include:
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Miniature roses – These only reach 1-2 feet tall and are ideal for small pots Look for varieties like ‘Pink Pom Pom’ and ‘Rainbow’s End’
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Patio/pot roses – Bred for growing in containers, these plants stay under 5 feet tall. Options include ‘Highwire Flyer’ and ‘Golden Showers’.
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Compact English roses – Shorter English climbing roses like ‘Warm Welcome’ and ‘Winchester Cathedral’ grow 3-6 feet tall.
Avoid vigourous, tall-growing climbing roses that can reach 10+ feet. They require much more root space than a pot can provide. Stick to roses described as miniature, patio, pot, or compact to ensure the best results.
Choosing the Right Pot
Bigger is always better when it comes to containers for climbing roses. Prioritize depth over width, as the roots will grow down. Recommended pot sizes:
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Miniature roses – At least 12-16 inches deep and wide
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Patio/pot roses – At least 16-24 inches deep and wide
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Compact English roses – At least 24 inches deep and wide
Make sure the pot has drainage holes and use a quality potting mix, not garden soil. Terracotta, wood, metal, and plastic pots all work well. For easier care, look for self-watering pot designs.
Providing Strong Support
Climbing roses need a sturdy support structure to climb on since they cannot cling to surfaces on their own. Position a trellis, arch, or obelisk in or next to the pot for the roses to grow on. Bamboo poles tied together also work. The support should be at least 1-2 feet taller than the expected height of the rose.
Location and Sun Exposure
Place the pot with climbing rose in a spot that will allow it to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is ideal if possible. Make sure the location is sheltered from strong winds but has good airflow.
Watering and Fertilizing
Roses in pots need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Check soil moisture daily and water when the top few inches become dry. Climbing roses are vigorous and benefit from fertilizing regularly from spring through fall. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for roses.
Pruning and Training
Prune container climbing roses in late winter or very early spring. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing stems and cut back remaining stems by about 1/3 to encourage bushy new growth. As the roses grow, train stems horizontally along support structures to promote flowering along the length.
Overwintering Potted Climbing Roses
In cooler climates, climbing roses will need to be moved into an unheated garage or shed before first frost. Water sparingly over winter, just enough to keep roots from drying out. Prune back stems before bringing indoors. Potted climbers can be overwintered successfully with minimal care in this protected environment.
Key Tips for Success
- Use a large pot with drainage holes, quality potting mix, and strong support structure
- Choose compact, container-suitable climbing rose varieties
- Provide plenty of sun, prune yearly, and train stems horizontally
- Water frequently, fertilize regularly, and overwinter pots in cool climates
With the right setup and care, climbing roses can thrive in pots to add vertical interest on patios, decks, and entryways. Just be sure to select compact varieties suited to containers and give them the environment they need to flourish.
Which roses to grow in pots
Roses for small pots
The obvious roses for container growing are patio or miniature types, which have been specifically bred for growing in pots and have shallower roots and compact growth. Choose a minimum pot size of 30cm x 30cm.
Varieties to try:
- Raspberry Royale
- Stars n Stripes
- Anna Ford
- Sweet Dream
Grow a Climbing Rose in a Pot
FAQ
What size container for climbing roses?
Select a pot that is at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide and has proper drainage holes.
What is the best climber to grow in pots?
- Clematis.
- Hedera.
- Hydrangea.
- Jasminum.
- Lonicera.
- Passiflora.
- Trachelospermum.
Do climbing roses like full sun or shade?
Roses do best in full sun. While they tolerate some shade, they will bloom more and grow more dense and full when they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sun each day. Also, pick a site that will accommodate the climber’s growth habit.
Do roses grow better in pots or the ground?
Roses do great in pots and let you control moisture and feeding and soil composition far easier than in the ground. Depending on your zone, average summer highs and average winter lows, and the rose you are thinking of you should start by asking yourself some basic questions:
Can climbing roses be grown in containers?
Though climbing roses can be grown successfully in containers, it takes a lot of work to maintain and keep them happy. Roses that like to reach 20 feet high or large shrubs that want to become giant spreading hedges are not the best options for your patio pots.
Can roses grow in pots?
Prune in autumn or winter to maintain a balanced growing shape, with no crossing or diseased stems. More on growing roses: Follow our guide to growing roses in pots, below. The obvious roses for container growing are patio or miniature types, which have been specifically bred for growing in pots and have shallower roots and compact growth.
Do climbing roses need a pot?
Young climbing roses should start growing in two to five-gallon pots. As they grow, you should replant them in pots that are a pot size or two larger for each year that they grow. If it is a miniature climbing rose, you only need a two-gallon container or maybe a little larger.
What roses grow well in pots?
Some popular varieties for pots include: ‘Zephirine Drouhin’: A fragrant, pink climbing rose that is well-suited for container growing. ‘New Dawn’: A pale pink climbing rose that is disease-resistant and easy to grow in pots. ‘Blaze’: A bright red climbing rose that is well-suited for pots and has a long blooming season.
How do you replant a climbing rose?
As they grow, you should replant them in pots that are a pot size or two larger for each year that they grow. If it is a miniature climbing rose, you only need a two-gallon container or maybe a little larger. If you have a low-maintenance climbing rose, choose a nonporous container such as a glazed or plastic pot.
Which climbing rose is best for pots?
‘New Dawn’: A pale pink climbing rose that is disease-resistant and easy to grow in pots. ‘Blaze’: A bright red climbing rose that is well-suited for pots and has a long blooming season. It’s also important to consider the type of climbing rose you want to grow.