Pick a Proper Trellis (2024)

How To Pick the Proper Trellis for Your Garden

In addition to ensuring the size of the trellis is correct, it is also important to use a trellis made from material which can withstand the strain of growing rose canes and the weight of the plant. There are two materials most commonly used to build trellises, wood and welded metal. The advantage to using wood is it is less expensive, and it is easier to build oneself. However, it does not last as long as metal, and thick canes can break the more flimsy wood apart, destroying the trellis over time. When using wood for a trellis it is also crucial to use only cedar, redwood or other pressure treated wood, which will withstand rotting. Metal is the sturdiest material for a trellis. It is strong, and it will not break apart under stress, however, it is important to use a metal which will not easily rust in the rain, and which has been welded, not woven together. One alternative to using only wood or only metal is to combine the two in the trellis, with the wood supporting the metal, and the metal holding up the rose. This creates a more cost effective trellis and still provides enough support for a vigorous climbing rose.

Heirloom Roses' Cable Trellis System

Training Climbing Roses can seem like a daunting text. Fortunately, Heirloom Roses’ Cable Trellis is the perfect tool to help train and corral your Climbing Roses and other wandering vines securely while blending seamlessly into the background of the foliage. Our Cable Trellis is constructed with quality 1/8th inch stainless steel cable and weather-resistant hardware to give your Climbing Roses all the support they need as they grow up a fence, side of a house, shed, or other structure. Choose a design from our instruction manual, or create your own layout using the provided 20’ cable, 6 anchors, and turnbuckle.

For a visual of how the cable trellis can be arranged, view below!

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Where To Place Trellis In Garden

Equally as important as selecting a sturdy trellis is choosing the right spot to place it. It is important to bear in mind that roses will grow towards the sun, so keeping the trellis in a spot where each part of the rose receives equal amounts of sun is a good idea. Also, the rose will bloom on the southernmost side of the trellis, so choose a spot where you will be able to enjoy the blooms. When anchoring the trellis into the ground, it is important to place the trellis at least two feet into the soil, sinking it into concrete will also help keep the trellis upright and sturdy. Finally, it is important to keep the trellis at least one foot away from your house as the canes can damage siding, and the rose will be harder to maintain if placed too close to a building.

How To Attach Climbing Roses To Trellis

When training a climber to grow along a trellis there are two things which will help you be successful. The first is to tie the rose canes onto the face of the trellis with a soft twist tie, rather than weaving the rose through the lattice, as this can damage canes and make the bush harder to keep under control. Second, climbing roses should be snaked horizontally across the trellis rather than allowed to climb straight up. This will promote more blooms from the top to the bottom, creating a striking wall of color.

If you are looking for inspiration of which climbing roses to add to your garden, Heirloom Roses has a curated collection of climbers with varying colors and heights to match your preferences.