This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Rose suggestions please
Lyn Plant-Wells
Posts: 338
in Plants
I would like to plant a climbing or rambling rose at the front of my 'new' house - either up sturdy trellis either side of the front door (forming a type of porch) or against the brickwork. These would have to be in containers as there is a path between house and front garden. The other alternative would be an arch in the nearest over the area which links the front path with the lawn (lawn area is very small so I intend to gravel it and maybe have a rose in the centre.) Any suggestions for a disease resistant suitable variety? I would think a light colour would be best as brickwork is quite dark. Scented would be a bonus. Thanks folks. I will upload a photo later from my laptop as my iPad isn't responding! 
0
Posts
hi Lyn. A rambler will grow huge, so I would suggest a climber. One of the most healthy in my garden is New Dawn - light pink, smallish flowers, that goes on flowering all season. Or if you just want one spectacular show in June Cecil Brunner or Albertine are lovely. I would always plant a rose in the ground if I could - but Busy Lizzie (who might be looking in later) has two gorgeous climbers growing happily in pots, so she might be able to tell you more
Hi Lyn
I'm not able to open that link 
Try clicking on the green tree icon to upload a photo from your laptop
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi
I tried the usual thing with the tree icon but nothing happened with iPad. I will try again with laptop. Thanks. Due to the annoying predictive text - for 'nearest over the area' read 'in the border over the area which links path to front garden.' See (eventual) photo!
Hey - it worked this time!
Lyn, what direction does your house face? As chicky says a rambler isn't a good idea, climber is better. Roses in pots are relatively easy to look after, you have a different regime looking after them. Watering and feeding are essential. John Innes No.3 compost as the potting mix and a large enough container to accommodate the root system. Every year the top 2 inches of compost should be replaced as well.
If your'e going to train it against a wall, use wires instead of trellis, it's easier to train them and tie in new flowering shoots with them.
If your wall is anything other than east or north facing, you have a wide choice of rose, but options will be limited if you face north or east.
One last consideration is height of the rose.
If you want disease resistance, go for an English rose, from David Austin. If you look after them they will reward you with a constant display.
Totally agree with Dave
and as he says English Climbers are gorgeous and much more disease resistant than some others - some lovely choices here http://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/english/Advanced.asp?PageId=1894
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks for that. The trellis wouldn't be on the wall but either side of the front door (sideways-on forming sides of a porch.) I take your point about container roses so maybe the arch idea would be best and something else round the front door. Any suggestions for that? I've got a purple clematis around door at my present house (see pic) but, pretty as it is, purple is not my favourite colour (it was a gift.) I also have a Montana at the front but it does get a bit untidy and only in flower a short time, hence having two varieties.
I see what you mean Lyn, it would work, just find the right planters. As for the roses David Austin has every colour in climbers so the choice is yours. Framing the door with a wooden arch would be best, lighter to move than metal. When you prune the roses prune in the opposite direction to the door, you don't want people having a barrier. As for few thorns, the descriptions on the page are pretty good, but a phone call to David Austin would be easier, they are extremely helpful.
There is a lovely rose with pliable stems (easy to train) that Busylizzie has grown for some years in a large pot. It is a David Austin one called Malvern Hills. I'm sure if she sees this she will give you a good idea of keeping them healthy
It does have thorns though - I know I have one as well. Another small David Austin rose with a wonderful scent that is not too vigorous and would be doable in a pot is called White Goose. It has lovely sprays of roses. and no thorns
Or there is always old favourites like Zepharine Drouhin (deep pink, scented)