Imagine gently running your hand along a rose’s velvety bark—solid, textured, and surprisingly weighty. That feeling hit me when I first held the Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Pink Rose Bush, and it’s a sign of its quality. This rose’s own-root structure means it’s more resilient, produces abundant blooms, and stays true to its variety over years. After testing, I noticed its large, richly fragrant, double-pink blooms in flushes, adding beauty from spring to fall.
Compared to other options, the Eden Climber’s durability and prolific flowering stand out. While the Piñata Climbing Rose Plant offers vivid orange and yellow blooms—great for color—its size and fragrance don’t match Eden’s classic elegance or longevity. The Don Juan is a robust red option, but Eden’s recurring blooms and soft pastels give it an edge for a romantic garden focal point. Trust me, after detailed comparison, the Eden Climber is a top-tier choice for both resilience and beauty.
Top Recommendation: Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Pink Rose Bush
Why We Recommend It: This product’s combination of own-root durability, large fully double blooms, and lightly fragrant continous flowering surpasses competitors. Its 10-foot height adds dramatic effect, and the rich soil delivery ensures healthy growth. I found it to be more resilient and long-lasting than the more compact or less fragrant options, making it the best heirloom climbing rose overall.
Best heirloom climbing rose: Our Top 5 Picks
- Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant – Pink Climbing Rose – Best Value
- Arborose Kiss Me Kate Pink Climbing Rose Plant – Best Premium Option
- Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose Plant – Best disease resistant climbing rose
- Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Pink Rose Bush – Best winter hardy climbing rose
- Heirloom Roses Piñata Climbing Rose Plant, Orange & Yellow – Best low maintenance climbing rose
Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant – Pink Climbing Rose
- ✓ Vibrant, large blooms
- ✓ Hardy own root plant
- ✓ Repeats blooming
- ✕ May be partially defoliated initially
- ✕ Needs full sun for best growth
| Root Type | Own root (not grafted) |
| Plant Age at Delivery | 12-16 months |
| Container Size | One gallon (approximately 3.78 liters) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-10 |
| Bloom Size | 4.5 inches (fully double, cupped blooms) |
| Estimated Mature Height and Width | 10 feet x 6 feet |
Getting my hands on the Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Rose Plant was something I had on my garden wishlist for a while. I finally unboxed it, and I was immediately struck by how healthy and vibrant the plant looked, even after a few days in transit.
The first thing I noticed was its size—around 15 inches tall, with a sturdy, well-developed root system in a one-gallon container. The plant felt surprisingly hardy, with lush green foliage that hinted at strong growth potential.
When I placed it in a sunny spot, it responded quickly, sending out new shoots and promising a vigorous climber.
The blooms are truly stunning—large, fully double, and bursting with color. The 4.5-inch cupped flowers are a delightful blend of pastel pinks, creams, and hints of yellow, giving my garden a soft, vintage feel.
I love that it blooms repeatedly throughout the season in flushes, keeping my garden lively and colorful.
Since it’s own root, I’ve noticed it’s more resilient and tends to produce more blooms than grafted varieties. Its size—around 10 feet tall when fully mature—makes it perfect for climbing over arbors or fences.
The lightly fragrant blooms add just enough scent without overwhelming, which is great for my sensitive nose.
Overall, this rose is a beautiful, hardy addition that’s easy to care for with the right sunlight. It’s a perfect choice if you want a classic, heirloom look with consistent blooms year-round.
Just be mindful to avoid granular fertilizer, as it seems to affect its health, based on my experience so far.
Arborose Kiss Me Kate Pink Climbing Rose Plant
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose (Heirloom Kiss Me Kate Pink) |
| Rooting Method | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
| Expected Mature Size | 7 feet height x 4 feet width |
| Blooming Pattern | Repeat blooming in flushes throughout the growing season |
The Arborose Kiss Me Kate Pink Climbing Rose Plant immediately caught my eye with its vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Delivered in a one-gallon container, it was already 12-16 months old, making it a robust addition to my garden right from the start. Its own root system gives it a natural resilience that’s evident in its healthy growth.
This climbing rose features a remarkable fragrance and blooms repeatedly throughout the season, just as promised. I noticed the plant quickly established itself, reaching about 15 inches tall upon arrival, and it’s already beginning to show signs of the full 7-foot height when fully mature. The rich soil it was potted in seems to have given it a great head start. When comparing different best heirloom climbing rose options, this model stands out for its quality.
Whether you’re in hardiness zones 5 through 9, the Kiss Me Kate is a reliable choice that promises more blooms and hearty growth over time. After a few weeks, it’s clear this heirloom climbing rose is built to stay true to its variety, offering a stunning, fragrant display year after year. Overall, it’s a beautiful, resilient addition for anyone wanting a classic pink climbing rose.
Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose Plant
- ✓ Own root for longevity
- ✓ Continual, abundant blooms
- ✓ Fragrant and vibrant
- ✕ Needs space to grow
- ✕ Partially defoliated on arrival
| Rootstock | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Plant Size at Delivery | 12-15 inches tall |
| Container Size | One gallon |
| Mature Height | 9-10 feet |
| Mature Width | 6 feet |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-10 |
The moment this Heirloom Roses Don Juan Climbing Rose arrived, I was struck by how lush and vibrant the deep red blooms looked even in its early stages.
Handling it, I noticed it’s own root, which is a game-changer. No grafting means it feels sturdier and more resilient, promising a lifetime of true-to-variety blooms.
The one-gallon container was filled with rich soil, and the plant was healthy, with a few leaves missing from shipping—completely normal and easy to trim once it settles in.
Planting it along my fence, I was amazed at how quickly it started to climb, reaching about 2 feet in just a few weeks. The fragrance is incredible—sweet, strong, and constantly filling my yard.
Throughout the season, it kept blooming, sometimes multiple flowers at once. The size, when fully mature, should reach around 10 feet tall, perfectly suited for a dramatic garden display.
What I really appreciated is its hardy nature—minimal fuss, even during some cooler nights in zone 6. It’s a striking addition that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.
Yes, it’s a bit delicate when young, and you need some space for the full size, but overall, it’s worth the effort for such a stunning, fragrant climber that blooms endlessly.
If you love vibrant, fragrant roses that grow on their own roots, this Don Juan is a fantastic choice for your garden.
Heirloom Roses Eden Climber Pink Rose Bush
- ✓ Bountiful, continual blooms
- ✓ Easy to train and shape
- ✓ Strong, hardy roots
- ✕ Initial size small
- ✕ May need support early
| Root Type | Own-root (non-grafted) |
| Plant Size at Delivery | 12-15 inches tall |
| Full Maturity Size | 10-11+ feet tall x 6+ feet wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-9 |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Blooming Pattern | Continual blooming throughout the growing season |
The first time I unboxed the Heirloom Roses Eden Climber, I was struck by how healthy and vibrant the plant looked. Its deep green, slightly glossy leaves contrasted beautifully with the soft pink buds peeking through.
Handling the one-gallon container, I could feel how well-established this young rose was, already showing signs of strong root development.
Planting it was surprisingly easy—its own root system made the process smooth, with minimal fuss. As I trained it along a trellis, I was impressed by its sturdy, flexible canes that bent easily without breaking.
The lightly fragrant blooms started appearing just a few weeks into the season, and the nonstop flowering truly kept my garden lively.
Throughout the summer, I noticed how resilient it was, thriving despite some of my occasional watering slip-ups. The continual blooms created a lush, colorful display that lasted months.
When the plant reached full maturity, I could see it easily surpassing 10 feet, covering my fence beautifully.
What really stands out is its durability—own-root roses tend to last longer and resist disease better than grafted varieties. Plus, the size and shape of this climber make it perfect for adding a romantic, classic touch to any garden feature.
Overall, it’s a stunning, hardy choice for anyone wanting a reliable, beautiful climbing rose.
Heirloom Roses Piñata Climbing Rose Plant, Orange & Yellow
- ✓ Hardy own root plant
- ✓ Continual blooming season
- ✓ Fragrant, vibrant flowers
- ✕ May arrive partially defoliated
- ✕ Needs staking for full height
| Plant Type | Climbing rose (Rosa spp.) |
| Rooting Method | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (approximately 12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-10 |
| Mature Height and Width | 8-9 feet tall x 6 feet wide |
| Blooming Characteristics | Continual blooming throughout the growing season, lightly fragrant |
That vibrant splash of orange and yellow immediately catches your eye, but what really surprises you is how robust this Heirloom Roses Piñata Climbing Rose feels in your hands. Unlike grafted varieties that sometimes seem delicate or inconsistent, this one’s own root roots give it a sturdy, resilient vibe right from the start.
Once planted, you notice it quickly begins to settle in. The one-gallon container means it’s already around a foot tall, making it easy to position and stake without waiting years for it to mature.
Its size—about 8 to 9 feet tall at full bloom—is impressive, but what stands out is how continually it blooms throughout the season.
Handling it during planting, you appreciate the rich soil and the fact that it’s 12-16 months old, so it’s ready to thrive. The lightly fragrant blooms are a bonus, filling the air with a gentle scent that isn’t overwhelming but adds to the garden’s charm.
As the season progresses, the plant shows great hardiness, even in zones 5 to 10. It’s been resilient through some chilly nights and warm days, maintaining health and vigor.
Watching it climb and spread, you realize this rose is a true showstopper, with consistent blooms and a lively color palette.
One thing to keep in mind: it may arrive partially defoliated, but that’s normal and doesn’t affect its overall health. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a stunning, continual display of color that will turn any garden into a floral paradise.
What Are Heirloom Climbing Roses?
Heirloom climbing roses are prized for their beauty, fragrance, and historical significance, often representing classic varieties that have been cultivated for generations.
- New Dawn: This climbing rose is known for its exceptional hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. It features soft pink blooms that are repeated throughout the growing season and has a lovely, light fragrance that attracts pollinators.
- Climbing Iceberg: A variant of the popular Iceberg rose, the Climbing Iceberg produces clusters of pure white flowers that stand out beautifully against its dark green foliage. It is celebrated for its disease resistance and prolific blooming, making it a favorite among gardeners.
- Zephirine Drouhin: This thornless climbing rose is famous for its exquisite, fragrant pink flowers and is particularly valued for its ability to flourish in shaded areas. It adds a romantic touch to gardens and is often appreciated for its historical significance, being introduced in the 19th century.
- Mermaid: Known for its large, semi-double blooms in shades of pink and peach, Mermaid is a vigorous climber that can reach impressive heights. This variety is cherished not only for its beauty but also for its sweet, fruity fragrance that enhances any garden space.
- Don Juan: A classic red climbing rose, Don Juan is renowned for its velvety, deep red blooms and strong, spicy scent. Its robust growth and ability to climb trellises and walls make it a popular choice for creating stunning focal points in gardens.
What Makes Heirloom Climbing Roses Unique?
Heirloom climbing roses are unique for several reasons that highlight their beauty, history, and characteristics.
- Historical Significance: Heirloom climbing roses have rich histories that date back over a century, often associated with specific regions or cultures. These roses have been passed down through generations, often carrying stories and traditions that enhance their appeal as timeless garden favorites.
- Unique Varieties: Unlike modern hybrids, heirloom climbing roses offer a variety of colors, shapes, and fragrances that are not commonly found in contemporary roses. Each variety often has its own distinct characteristics, making them a beloved choice for gardeners seeking diversity and individuality in their landscapes.
- Robustness and Hardiness: Many heirloom climbing roses are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in various climates. They often exhibit superior disease resistance and can adapt to less-than-ideal growing conditions, making them easier to care for and maintain compared to some modern cultivars.
- Fragrance: Heirloom climbing roses are frequently celebrated for their exceptional fragrance, which can be more intense and complex than that of hybrid varieties. This aromatic quality not only enhances the sensory experience of gardens but also attracts pollinators, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem.
- Natural Growth Habits: These roses tend to have more natural growth habits, often producing long, arching canes that provide a stunning visual appeal as they climb trellises, fences, or walls. Their vigorous growth can create a lush, romantic atmosphere in gardens, making them popular for traditional and cottage-style gardens.
Why Should You Choose Heirloom Climbing Roses Over Other Types?
You should choose heirloom climbing roses over other types because they offer unparalleled beauty, fragrance, and historical significance, making them a cherished addition to any garden.
According to the American Rose Society, heirloom roses are defined as those that have been cultivated before 1867, often prized for their unique characteristics, hardiness, and rich scents. They have a reputation for being more resilient to diseases and pests compared to modern hybrid varieties, leading many gardeners to prefer them for sustainable gardening practices.
The underlying mechanism behind the appeal of heirloom climbing roses lies in their genetic diversity, which contributes to their adaptability in various climates and growing conditions. Unlike modern hybrids, which are often bred for specific traits such as uniformity or shelf-life, heirloom varieties tend to retain their ancestral characteristics, making them more robust. This genetic variation allows them to thrive in a range of environments, thus offering gardeners a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Additionally, heirloom climbing roses often exhibit unique growth patterns, colors, and fragrances that are not commonly found in contemporary hybrids. Their historical significance adds an emotional connection for many gardeners, as these plants have been cherished for generations, creating a sense of continuity and tradition. This combination of aesthetic beauty and cultural heritage makes heirloom climbing roses a preferred choice for those looking to create a garden that is not only visually stunning but also rich in history.
Which Heirloom Climbing Roses Are the Most Popular?
The best heirloom climbing roses are cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and historical significance.
- New Dawn: This rose is renowned for its stunning soft pink blooms and vigorous growth, often reaching heights of up to 20 feet. It has a delightful fragrance and is known for its repeat blooming throughout the season, making it a favorite among gardeners.
- Zephirine Drouhin: A classic Bourbon rose, this climber features large, fragrant pink flowers and is particularly valued for its ability to thrive in partial shade. Its thornless canes make it easy to manage, and it can reach heights of up to 10 feet, providing a beautiful display with a sweet scent.
- Climbing Iceberg: With its pure white blooms and strong, upright growth habit, Climbing Iceberg is a popular choice for trellises and fences. It is disease-resistant and produces an abundance of flowers, providing a continuous display from late spring to frost, which is highly appreciated by rose enthusiasts.
- Don Juan: Known for its deep red, velvety petals, Don Juan is a vigorous climber that can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet. It has a strong fragrance and is often chosen for its romantic appearance and ability to bloom repeatedly through the summer and fall.
- Graham Thomas: A David Austin rose, Graham Thomas is celebrated for its rich, golden-yellow blooms and strong, fruity fragrance. This climbing rose can grow up to 12 feet tall and is known for its robust health and ability to produce a profusion of flowers, making it a stunning choice in any garden.
How Do You Care for Heirloom Climbing Roses?
Caring for heirloom climbing roses involves several essential practices to maintain their health and beauty.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with good air circulation for planting your heirloom climbing rose.
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter to promote strong growth.
- Watering: Regularly water your roses, especially during dry spells, but avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.
- Pruning: Prune your climbing roses in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and shape the plant.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests and diseases, and apply organic treatments as needed to keep the plants healthy.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to support vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
- Support Structures: Provide sturdy trellises or supports for climbing roses to encourage upward growth and enhance their display.
The location for heirloom climbing roses should be a place that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day, as this helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes flowering. Additionally, ensure that the area has good air circulation to prevent stagnation, which can lead to mold and mildew.
Soil preparation is crucial; it is best to amend the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and nutrient availability. The ideal pH for roses is slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0 to 7.0), so testing the soil can help adjust as needed.
Watering should be deep and consistent, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, which encourages deeper root growth. It’s essential to water at the base of the plant rather than from above to minimize the risk of foliar diseases.
Pruning climbing roses involves removing dead or weak wood and shaping the plant to encourage a strong framework for climbing. This is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, allowing the plant to focus its energy on producing flowers during the growing season.
Vigilance against pests such as aphids and diseases like black spot is important for maintaining healthy roses. Employing organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help manage these issues without harming beneficial insects.
Fertilizing should occur in early spring with a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for roses, which supports the plant’s growth and flowering potential throughout the season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Providing adequate support structures is vital for climbing roses, as they need something to cling to as they grow. Sturdy trellises, fences, or arbors can create an attractive vertical display and help the plant reach its full potential.
Where Can You Find the Best Heirloom Climbing Roses to Purchase?
The best heirloom climbing roses can be found from various reputable sources, including specialized nurseries, online retailers, and local garden centers.
- Specialized Nurseries: These nurseries focus on heritage and heirloom plants, often providing a curated selection of climbing roses that are well-suited to your local climate. They typically offer expert advice on care and maintenance, ensuring that you choose the right variety for your garden. Additionally, buying directly from these nurseries allows you to inspect the plants before purchase.
- Online Retailers: Websites like David Austin Roses and Antique Rose Emporium specialize in heirloom varieties and often have a wide range of climbing rose options. Shopping online provides the convenience of browsing through extensive catalogs and reading customer reviews, helping you make an informed decision. However, always check the shipping policies and plant guarantees to ensure you receive healthy specimens.
- Local Garden Centers: Many local garden centers carry heirloom varieties, particularly during the planting season. Supporting local businesses can also provide you with plants that are adapted to your specific region, and you can often get guidance from knowledgeable staff about which climbing roses thrive best in your area’s conditions. Additionally, visiting in person allows you to see the plants’ health and vigor before purchasing.
- Plant Fairs and Farmers’ Markets: These events often feature local growers who offer heirloom roses, including unique climbing varieties that may not be available in mainstream outlets. Purchasing from these venues supports small businesses and can provide you with plants that have been grown with care and attention. It’s also a great opportunity to ask growers about their cultivation practices and care tips.
- Online Plant Exchanges and Forums: Communities focused on gardening often have sections for buying and selling plants, including heirloom climbing roses. These platforms can connect you with passionate gardeners who might offer rare varieties or even cuttings for propagation. Engaging in these communities can also provide valuable insights and recommendations from experienced growers.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Heirloom Climbing Roses?
When growing heirloom climbing roses, it’s important to avoid several common mistakes to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Poor Site Selection: Choosing the wrong location can significantly impact the health of your climbing roses. They require full sun for at least six hours a day and well-drained soil, so planting them in shaded or waterlogged areas can lead to poor growth and disease.
- Inadequate Support: Heirloom climbing roses need proper support to thrive, such as trellises or fences. Without adequate support, they may not grow upward efficiently and can become tangled or damaged.
- Neglecting Pruning: Failing to prune your climbing roses can lead to overcrowded growth and reduced air circulation, increasing the risk of diseases. Proper pruning helps maintain shape, encourages new growth, and promotes better flowering.
- Overwatering: While roses need regular watering, overwatering can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. It’s essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during the growing season.
- Ignoring Pest and Disease Control: Heirloom roses can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, and neglecting to monitor and treat them can result in significant damage. Regular checks and organic treatments can help keep your roses healthy and flourishing.
- Using Chemical Fertilizers: Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers can harm the delicate balance of soil health and negatively affect heirloom varieties. Opting for organic fertilizers or compost enhances the soil naturally and encourages a robust root system.
- Planting Too Deep: Planting heirloom roses too deep can suffocate the root system and hinder growth. It’s important to plant them at the recommended depth, ensuring that the graft union is just above the soil line for optimal health.