Difference Between Climbing and Rambling Roses

Let's talk about the difference between a climbing rose and a rambling roses. "Climber" and "rambler" are used almost interchangeably in describing roses, and indeed there can be some confusing borderline varieties or exception, but the main difference is that climbers are generally repeat blooming. They're derived from the repeat-flowering modern classes of roses, and can have flower form just like the garden hybrid teas and floribundas you're familiar with. Ramblers are more closely related to some of the wild species, and so they typically bloom once in the spring or early summer - covering themselves with masses of small simple(r) blooms.

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Photo Credits:
Aloha by David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0
Queen Elizabeth by T. Kiya CC BY-SA 2.0
Rosa wichurana by A. Barra CC BY-SA 3.0
Rose Bleu Magenta by T. Kiya CC BY-SA 2.0
Goldfinch by Brittas World CC BY-SA 3.0
American Pillar by Spedona CC BY-SA 3.0
Adelaide d'Orleans by Leonara (Ellie) Enking CC BY-SA 2.0
Adelaide d'Orleans by . Barra CC BY-SA 3.0
Lady Banks by Maria Filippi CC BY-SA 4.0
Paul's Himalayan Musk by T. Kiya CC BY-SA 2.0
Manington Mauve Rambler by T. Kiya CC BY-SA 2.0
Climbing Iceberg by T. Kiya CC BY-SA 2.0

[christinemarie]

Watching your channel has made me a rose convert! When we moved into our home the previous owner left me directions with a schedule of sprays the roses needed almost monthly. Antifungals, insecticides, etc. Ugh! I dug the roses out and rehomed them all. Since watching your channel, I have added 8 roses into our landscape. They are all doing very well because I follow your advice and recommendations. I have learned so much and have completely changed my opinion of roses . Thank you!

[dennismahoney]

I grew Cl. Cecile Brunner (a/k/a 'The Sweetheart Rose'), a climbing polyantha, at my home in NY years ago. Massive clusters of small light pink hybrid tea-like sweet-smelling blooms. It filled the whole backyard with its beautiful fragrance in summer with the occasional sparse repeat in fall. Rambler 20 -30ft. Oh, how I miss that spectacular rose!

[zinnia]

My husband built a new arbor for my garden. I researched the Kordes climbing roses and chose Tangerine Skies, as I'm partial to orange/pink. I'm hoping it does well establishing itself this year and ready to put on a show next year. Thanks for the great videos.

[chillipeppers]

I have a very old rose in my garden which I thought was a climber but now realise its a rambler, will now be looking for tips to prune it only flowers once which is starting to bud now as its 1st week of spring.
Thankyou for videos

[elisabeth]

This was very helpful, as all your vlogs are. I am just beginning with roses so your knowledge is invaluable but also your teaching style (clear and concise!) makes it so accessible. You give me confidence!

[chili]

Long time rose lover but I learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

[scallywags]

Good video. I have Albertine growing over the roof of our garden shed. Paul’s Himalayan Musk is growing up into the fir trees behind the garden shed. Love the scent of both of these roses!

[heatherdoes]

Your channel offers such a wealth of knowledge on roses. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[MagicalMukhina]

Wow - I have just come across this video and you explained things so clearly and well. You have such great rose knowledge. I have just subscribed and am going to watch more of your videos. I am in the UK and have a fair few Peter Beales roses and some David Austins. Thank You so much for sharing your expertise.

[angiemcdermid]

We love our Seven Sisters. We thought we would never find one again after we sold our farm. Thank you

[josheridan]

This is so interesting seems I’ve been thinking my two huge, very old roses where climbers. But actually it’s Rambler. I wondered why it only flowered the once compared to everything else, but is stunning when in flower. Super easy to propagate as well.

[georgepark]

You’re talks are always worth the time

[Willow_and_Sage]

I've wanted to come to the farm every time I drive by! I didn't even notice I was watching your videos!!

[cindyl]

Once again you are reading our minds! Have a couple spots begging for climbing roses. I looked at some for sale but got stuck when I saw ramblers. Huh? Then one mentioned thicket rose. Hmmm....
Then BAM, your video shows up offering 99% more information than I knew. Thank goodness I hadn’t bought anything yet. Wish you shipped to Oklahoma. Bet you hear the ..I wish you shipped all the time. Thank you Jason!

[georgewhite]

Thanks very much for taking the time to explain all things roses, got to go out now and dig a hole and plant a ramblings rector my wife Brought yesterday 😀

[Starbuckin]

Great info. I love my Dr Huey! It exploded with probably 300 to 400 blooms this year and is around 10 feet tall and almost as wide!

[FiddleSticks]

Thank you for your clear explanation. I finally understand why David Austin sells both a shrub and climbing rose named lady of shallot.

[Cinderella]

Thank you for informative video! Just today, on a whim, I purchased two climbers, American and Handel. I am reading up on how to grow roses.

[HoustonKeith]

I discovered your videos and have been learning so much. Wonderfully informative. I guess I’ve got the rose bug now! Giving roses a try in this warm humid climate in Houston so fingers crossed.

[mapleleaf]

Thank You for clarifying difference between two types. It had always confused me.