“Four climbing roses — 'my wife loves roses.' Cultivars unspecified.”
Background
'Climbing rose' describes a growth habit, not a class: climbers arise as sports of hybrid teas and floribundas or as purpose-bred varieties, while ramblers descend from species like Rosa wichuraiana and R. multiflora. Modern roses are built on China roses, whose repeat-bloom and heat tolerance (introduced to the West in the late 1700s to early 1800s) make them the backbone of warm-climate roses. Proven desert climbers include 'Fourth of July' (red-white striped, disease-resistant) and 'Don Juan' (fragrant red, best color in warm nights).
Distinguishing traits
Long arching canes trained on arbors, fences, and trellises; repeat-blooming modern climbers flower spring through fall. Cultivars unspecified for Matt's four.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Most modern climbers hardy to zones 5-7; Queen Creek cold is a non-issue.
- Heat tolerance
- Roses grow in Phoenix but need afternoon shade or an east exposure, deep mulch, and protection from reflected heat.
- Water
- Deep, regular watering; roses are thirsty in the desert. Drip irrigation at the root zone.
- Soil
- Rich, amended, well-drained soil — desert soils need heavy organic amendment and any caliche broken up for drainage.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in the low desert.