How to create a rose arch: expert tips & suitable varieties

Rose arches create fairy-tale charm in the garden. Let us show you how to create a rose arch and which varieties are suitable for it.

If you have always dreamed of having your own rose arch, you have come to the right place. Whether for a special occasion, such as a wedding, or simply as a pretty eye-catcher for the garden – a rose arch offers fairytale-like charm. There are different variations available in nurseries, e.g. from wood or metal, with a gate or without, as well as in different price ranges. But if you are a skilled craftsman, you can also build your own climbing frame for your roses in no time. We have summarised things to consider and which varieties of roses (Rosa) are best suited to growing rose arches, for you in this article.

Below, we explain where you can buy a rose arch, how best to proceed when creating one and which rose varieties are suitable for growing on an arch.

Suitable varieties for a rose arch

Not all varieties of roses are suitable for rose arches. Naturally climbing roses are particularly suitable with their long shoots. But you can also use other taller-growing shrub rose varieties for this purpose, if you train their shoots accordingly. By tying them to the trellis, you further stabilise the roses, allowing them to reach considerable heights.

The following varieties are particularly suitable for growing on a rose arch:

• ‘Sympathie’ climbing rose
  These dark red, double flowers can be seen from a distance and have a wonderful wild rose fragrance. Their flowering period ranges from June to September. This vibrant rose depends on climbing aids and is therefore ideal for pergolas and rose arches. It is very frost hardy and reaches heights of up to three metres.
• ‘Goldfassade’ climbing rose
  This beautiful yellow-flowered rose grows vigorously in an upright manner. The flowers have a strong fragrance, but unfortunately this rose does not bloom for very long. It reaches heights of up to 3.5 metres, but due to high susceptibility to foliar diseases must be regularly supplied with plant fortifier.

• ‘Gloire de Dijon’ climbing rose
  This rose with double flowers in different shades of yellow is a real eye-catcher. It grows up to a height of 2.5 metres. This climbing rose, which blooms more often, is characterised by its strong leaf health, but the flowers are not very resistant to rain. After the main flowering period in June, a second flowering occurs in autumn.
• ‘Perennial Blue’ climbing rose
  The classic climbing rose is known for its strong growth and dense coverage. The small flowers are initially pink in colour and later fade to violet-blue. Unlike many other climbing roses, this variety blooms more often. Another advantage is its low susceptibility to disease. However, winter protection is advisable during colder months.
• ‘The Pilgrim’ English rose
  This rose actually grows rather compact and bushy, but can be trained to grow as a climbing rose to reach a height of up to 3.5 metres. The yellow flowers turn white on the outside and appear from June to September. Special protective measures are generally not required, due to good winter hardiness.

We present more beautiful rose species and varieties in different colors and growth forms here.

Tip: Climbing or shrub roses can also be combined with other climbing plants, for example with clematis (Clematis).

How to create a rose arch

First, you should think carefully about where you want to put the rose arch. For example, you can use it to structure a larger garden by dividing it into different areas. But once the rose arch is in place, it is almost impossible to relocate it. Additionally, in most cases, concrete anchoring provides the necessary support. Here, however, you should take care to place the concrete layer deep enough so that a good layer of soil can still be placed on top. After all, the chosen location must at the same time suit the roses which will cover the rose arch. Planting is ideally done in autumn (October-November), so that the rose can root well over the winter.

Creating a rose arch:

1. Select a suitable location
2. Set up and anchor rose arch
3. Weed and loosen soil well
4. In addition, it is best to work a slow-release fertiliser such as our Plantura Rose Food into the soil at the start
5. Dig a planting hole with sufficient distance (about 50 cm) from the scaffold
6. Plant a rosebush on each side
7. Redirect shoots to the scaffold and secure with raffia
   

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Expert tip: Shoots should not protrude directly into the air, but rather be attached to the side of the trellis.

We have selected the most beautiful red roses for you in a dedicated article.

Buying a rose arch: comparison and tips

You can buy a rose arch in almost any hardware store or garden centre. The price varies depending on the size, material and other features. However, if you want to save some money, you can also build a rose arch cheaply yourself and with relatively little effort.

Metal rose arch

Rose arches made of metal are more durable in comparison with those made from natural materials such as wood or bamboo. You can make simple constructions by bending monier bars yourself. A specialist can then carry out hot-dip galvanisation for you. In addition, you can add individual wires to the structure to help the rose climb up.

Models made of coated steel or iron in simple form, as well as with ornate decoration are available in stores. Some suppliers also provide ground hooks for fastening to the ground. Models with an integrated door or gate can be used as an entranceway or passage for the garden. In addition, half rose arches are also available for use as wall vine aids.

Tip: When buying make sure that the metal rose arch is undamaged and has a sufficiently thick coating to protect against weathering and rust.

Wooden rose arch

Unfortunately rose arches made from wood are not quite as easy to maintain as a frame made of metal. There are several models made of spruce, larch or pinewood. But even these robust wood types are not completely weather resistant and can therefore become rotten over a long period of time. To avoid this, wooden rose arches are usually treated with a range of glazes and wood preservatives.

With a little elbow grease, you can create the perfect wooden rose arch according to your own wishes and ideas by building one yourself. However, as already mentioned, the wood must be sufficiently protected from weathering. The best way to do this is to get professional advice at the hardware store. You can either purchase pre-treated wood, which is suitable for outdoor use, or treat it with the appropriate product yourself. If, on the other hand, you do not take any special measures, the structure will likely need replacing in a few years.

Tip: Creative craftsmen can also build an arbor or a pergola, under which benches can be placed – for cosy summer evenings under a sea of roses.