When you’re looking to plant roses in your garden, choosing a variety can be tricky. You’ll want something beautiful and hardy, but there are so many to choose from.
So, we’ve written this article on 10 rambling roses and how to care for them to help you out.
What Are Rambling Roses?
Rambling roses are a type of climbing rose that is characterized by their long, trailing stems.
They are often used as ornamental plants and can be found in gardens and parks all over the world.
Rambling roses are generally easy to care for, and require very little maintenance.
One of the differences between rambler roses and climbing roses is that the stems of a rambling rose are typically much longer, and they are also much more flexible.
They can be trained to grow up walls, trellises, or other support structures.
They make fantastic cut flowers.
Their blooms may not be as large as some other varieties, but they more than make up for it in quantity and often have a delicious fragrance too.
10 Best Rambling Roses And How To Care For Them
We have chosen ten of the best rambling roses that you can grow in your garden, and we will discuss how to take care of each rose.
Let’s take a look below:
1. Félicité-Perpétue Rose
Félicité-Perpétue rose was bred by Antoine A. Jacques in France, in 1827.
| COLOR: Creamy White | BLOOM SIZE: Small | FRAGRANCE: Medium |
| PLANT SIZE: 19ft | FLOWERING: Once Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
This tall rambler produces flowers quite late, usually around mid-July.
Félicité-Perpétue rambling roses are ideal for pergolas, large structures, or large trees.
The rose can be grown in all soil types and is best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils.
However, this rose will tolerate poor soil.
Add hardwood cuttings in the fall and chip budding in summer, and add a balanced fertilizer and mulch in late winter or early spring.
USDA growing zone: 6b through 10b.
2. Rambling Rosie
Rambling Rosie was bred by Colin P. Horner in the United Kingdom, in 2001.
| COLOR: Crimson-Red | BLOOM SIZE: Small | FRAGRANCE: Medium |
| PLANT SIZE: 10ft – 12ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
This short rambler does well on a wall or a fence, a standard arch, an obelisk or pillar, or even on a doorway.
The rose can be grown in all soil types and the soil must be fertile, well-drained, and moist.
You do not need to deadhead this rambling rose but you should prune after the rose flowers to promote growth.
You should mulch this rose in the fall to prevent fungal infections from spreading, such as black spots.
USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.
3. Ghislaine De Féligonde Rose
Ghislaine De Féligonde rose was bred by Eugène Turbat & Compagnie in France, in 1916.
| COLOR: Light Yellow | BLOOM SIZE: Small to Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild To Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft-10ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
This medium rambler is surprisingly almost thornless so makes for great cut flowers.
This rose works in all soil types and does best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils.
You should propagate this flower with hardwood cuttings in the fall, or by chip budding in summer.
USDA growing zone: 5 and warmer.
4. Phyllis Bide Rose
Phyllis Bide rose was bred by S. Bide & Sons, Ltd. in the United Kingdom, in 1923.
| COLOR: Pale Apricot Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Small | FRAGRANCE: Medium, Sweet |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft – 13ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
This rambling rose is known for its stunning blooms and lovely fragrance.
The Phyllis Bide is a hardy rose that can tolerate cold weather and does well in full sun or partial shade.
To care for a Phyllis Bide rose, water it regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
You should deadhead the flowers as they fade to keep the plant looking its best.
USDA growing zone: 6 through 9.
5. Alexandre Girault Rose
Alexandre Girault Rose was bred by Barbier Frères & Compagnie in France, in 1907.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Apple, Fruity Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 12ft – 26ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique rose to add to your garden, consider the Alexandre Girault rose.
You should take care to water this rose regularly, making sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Alexandre Girault rose needs to be protected from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold).
As for pruning, in late winter or early spring, you should prune as needed to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
USDA growing zone: 6 through 9.
6. Albéric Barbier Rose
Albéric Barbier rose was bred by Barbier Frères & Compagnie in France, in 1900.
| COLOR: Cream, Light Yellow Center | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Medium, Tea |
| PLANT SIZE: 15ft – 20ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Albéric Barbier rose is known for its rambling growth habit, which gives it a wild and untamed appearance.
Though it is lovely, it does require some maintenance to ensure that it stays healthy and blooms throughout the season.
If you live in an area with hot summers, consider planting your Albéric Barbier rose in a shady spot to protect it from the intense heat.
This rose prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it deeply and regularly.
However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
During the hotter months, you may need to water your rose more frequently.
USDA growing zone: 4 through 9.
7. Ethel Rose
Ethel rose was bred by Turner Nurseries in the United Kingdom, before 1911.
| COLOR: Light Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong |
| PLANT SIZE: 16ft – 20ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Ethel rose is a type of rose that is known for its ability to grow and spread quickly.
The flowers are large and have a light pink color.
The plant is also known for its thorns, which can be up to two inches long.
When watering, be sure to use lukewarm water and avoid getting the leaves wet.
The best time to water is in the morning so the plant can absorb the moisture throughout the day.
For best results, deadhead spent blooms and trim back any dead or damaged stems.
USDA growing zone: 6b through 9b.
8. Paul’s Himalayan Musk Rose
Paul’s Himalayan Musk rose was bred by George Paul in the United Kingdom, in 1916.
| COLOR: Pale Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Small | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Musk |
| PLANT SIZE: 20ft – 30ft | FLOWERING: Once Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Paul’s Himalayan Musk rose is a vigorous rambler that can reach up to 30 feet in height, with dark green leaves and clusters of pale pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
The flowers have a strong musky fragrance that is reminiscent of incense, and the plant is resistant to both heat and cold.
To care for a Paul’s Himalayan Musk Rose, water the rose regularly, and fertilize it every few weeks during the growing season.
Cut back the rose in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Protect the plant from pests and diseases, and prune away any dead or diseased branches as needed.
USDA growing zone: 4b through 9b.
9. Albertine Rose
Albertine rose was bred in 1921 by one of the Barbier brothers in France.
| COLOR: Light Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Rich Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft – 15ft | FLOWERING: Once Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Albertine rose is a famous old rambler, which typically grows up to 15 feet tall and 9 feet wide.
The flowers are pink, double-bloomed, and have a strong fragrance.
The blooming period is from June to July.
After the flowers fade, the rose produces red fruits called hips.
This rose requires very little maintenance and is perfect for those who do not have a lot of time to spend on their gardens.
In the fall, cut the plant back to about 6 inches to help it overwinter.
You can also mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from cold weather.
USDA growing zone: 5 through 9.
10. Dorothy Perkins Rambling Roses
Dorothy Perkins rose was bred by Jackson & Perkins in the United States, in 1901.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Small To Medium | FRAGRANCE: Mild Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 10ft – 20ft | FLOWERING: Once Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
If you are looking for climbing roses on the fence, this rose is a good choice.
It has flexible canes with small, glossy, dark green leaves.
Dorothy Perkins rose enjoys a monthly feeding of diluted fertilizer during the growing season.
If you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may also want to consider staking the plant to prevent it from toppling over.
You should prune Dorothy Perkins rose after flowering is finished.
USDA growing zone: 4 through 9.
Conclusion: Are Rambling Roses Easy To Grow?
Rambling roses are the perfect solution if you love roses but don’t want to spend all of your time keeping them looking tidy.
Planting and caring for rambling roses is easy, so anyone can enjoy the beauty of these special flowers.
They can be grown in a variety of settings, from full sun to partial shade.
So, pick one, and happy planting!
