Rambling roses

Buy rambler roses at Belle Epoque

A pergola covered in flowers, a romantic rose arch or a rose growing through an old fruit tree: rambler roses add height and character to your garden. These climbing roses produce long, flexible branches and often bloom in large clusters of small flowers. At Belle Epoque, you’ll find both vigorous ramblers for large gardens and more compact varieties for smaller spaces.

What is a rambler rose?

Rambler roses differ from regular climbing roses in their flexible, often arching branches and abundant clusters of flowers. Many varieties bloom once in early summer, with a profusion of flowers that can last for weeks. There are also repeat-flowering rambler roses, such as Malvern Hills, The Albrighton Rambler and Lady of the Lake, which produce new flowers throughout the season.

Not all ramblers grow to the same size. Choose based on their eventual height, the space available and whether you prefer a single flush of flowers or repeat blooms.

Which rambler is right for your garden?

For a large pergola or a sturdy, mature tree, vigorous varieties such as Bobbie James, Rambling Rector and Paul’s Himalayan Musk are excellent choices. Give these roses plenty of room to grow.

Looking for a rambler for a smaller rose arch, trellis or modest pergola? More compact varieties such as Open Arms and the Siluetta roses are often a better fit. When choosing, also consider fragrance, colour and how much sun the planting site gets.

Planting and training rambler roses

Plant rambler roses in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. A sunny spot usually produces the most abundant blooms, but some varieties also tolerate partial shade. Check the characteristics of your chosen rose.

Roses don't attach themselves to a wall or pergola. Train the stems along a sturdy support and tie them loosely in place. Training stems diagonally or horizontally encourages flowering side shoots to form. Water generously after planting and keep the soil sufficiently moist during the first growing season.

Caring for and pruning rambling roses

Feed your rambler with rose fertilizer in spring and add a layer of compost around the plant. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially if the rose was recently planted.

The right pruning method depends on the flowering type:

• Once-flowering ramblers: prune after flowering if needed. Remove dead or damaged wood and, on older plants, remove a few old stems to make room for new shoots.
• Repeat-flowering ramblers: generally prune at the end of winter or in early spring. Thin out as needed and shorten flowering side shoots according to the advice for the variety.

A rambler doesn't need to be pruned back heavily every year. Give it plenty of space and train it carefully to bring out its natural growth habit.

Find your rambler rose at Belle Epoque

From soft pink, richly scented flowers to white clusters and eye-catching purple blooms, there's a rambler for all kinds of gardens. Open and semi-double flowers provide food for pollinators; some varieties also produce decorative rose hips after flowering.

Discover Belle Epoque's range of rambling roses and choose the rose that's right for your garden. With personalized advice and roses straight from the nursery, we're happy to help you get started.