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Ideas for a climbing rose or rambler for back of house

JanedeeJanedee Posts: 7
in Plants
Hi everyone I’d like to plant a repeat flowering, not too thorny rose for the back of the house which is south/south-east facing. I was thinking of planting it in the corner of the sunken garden which is partially shady but it would be in the ground as there’s nowhere to plant nearby on the garden level that is near the back wall of the house (hopefully the pictures explain what I mean!). The grapevine has been dug up so it’ll go in that space. There’s a gap between the walkway and the house wall of about 4” so I was thinking the rose could grow up through the gap.  I could plant another rose in the other corner of the sunken garden. I’m keen to soften the look of the back of the house. I’d welcome your ideas.

Posts

  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    Such an unusual, interesting property, somewhere in England I take it? or another country?  I don't think I've seen a house with half built underground..
    So you want the rose to squeeze through the 4'' gap I can see in the 2nd picture.  What height requirement do you have? how far up the wall above the walkway do you want the rose to climb, as there is currently no support for it on the walls..
    East Anglia, England
  • JanedeeJanedee Posts: 7
    Somerset, yes it is unusual, it’s an eco house that we moved to in May and are enjoying getting used to. We will fix wires to the wall and I’d like it to cover as much as possible. The gap might be a bit wider but the grapevine had no problem growing through.
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    OK...there are several to consider... I'll get back to you on Friday..
    East Anglia, England
  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
    Oh that’s interesting. Maybe you could have a half arch going between the railings and the wall. Train the rose up the lower level wall, over the arch and onto the house wall.

    Ohh, now I’ve turned my brightness up I can see the gap that you’re talking about.

    I’ll leave the recommendations to Marlorena as she’ll have far more ideas than me as I’ve not grown many large ones. I love my Malvern Hills which is a big vigorous climber/rambler but it’s pale yellow and you might want something different against that colour wall.
    East Yorkshire
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    I've just noticed you want a repeat flowering rose, and low thorn, so that limits your choices..
    Whilst not wishing to put a damper on your plans, - I love a 'can-do' approach -  I'll give an opinion about it..

    1. 'Mme. Alfred Carriere' is my first choice...  it's capable of climbing trees to 25 feet or so, and is very low thorn.. there are some but few and far between and it's easily trainable and flexible.. it blooms repeatedly through summer when established.. not much in the first year in my experience.. is leafy, large modern type leaves and a good scent...
    ..very vigorous in the first year throwing canes to 12 feet or so, in my previous garden..  the flowers are creamy white, but for me this wouldn't be an issue... I see your wall as magnolia colour, and if I compare the white seat, the green backdrop of your vine against the colour of the wall, the dark roof and windows, then I could live with that arrangement..  if your wall was brilliant white then maybe not so much.. Readily available so easy to buy..

    2. 'Phyllis Bide'..  this has thorns but not too many, a lower thorn variety with an intriguing colour palette..  not as tall as the rose above, and takes time to establish, but benefits from a continuous bloom into autumn..

    The others I was going to mention are unfortunately only once blooming roses, that flower for a few weeks in June, but they are all virtually thornless.
    Many more choices from thornier roses, like Malvern Hills mentioned by Mr Vine Eye..
    A fairly rampant but flexible rambler with masses of small yellow blooms. Luxuriant foliage and the thorns are cherry red at first, quite attractive..

    Roses like most plants will aim for the sun and best light, so they will be quickly drawn up from the below ground position to that gap.. however, this is an unusual arrangement, perhaps a world's first? 
    I've certainly never seen this before,  and not one I would personally want to be doing, I'm not convinced I would enjoy the aesthetics of this, - growing through that gap - and the future maintenance.. even in my younger adventurous days, I might find this time consuming, problematic and requiring a greater skill level than what I had..  so I would be happy to confine my roses to the lower deck, like the vine, where there seems sufficient sun and light getting in there, and leave the 'upstairs' free of encumbrances..

    Best of luck with your endeavours though.. and don't let me put you off..

    East Anglia, England
  • OmoriOmori Posts: 1,674
    Maybe you could soften the lower half with a clematis?
  • JanedeeJanedee Posts: 7
    Thanks everyone - really useful thoughts. I’m tempted just to ‘go for it’ and try and see what happens. 
  • JemulaJemula Posts: 196
    Just to say from my own experience that although the thorns on Phyllis Bide are not numerous they are those vicious little hook type thorns you also get on The Fairy - very painful when they get you.  Apart from that, it's a lovely rose.
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