William Baffin

There is no investment, for less money, that will so dramatically change the appearance of a garden or landscape than a properly placed climbing rose. You can probably recall any number of beautiful magazine images of sunny, rose-covered arbors or a rose-covered lattice framing at a home’s front door. Climbing roses are extremely versatile garden performers. You can choose to let them artfully climb vertical structures, leisurely tumble over a picket fence or carefully train them on horizontal fence rails to create a narrow hedge. This week we are featuring a climbing rose – William Baffin – the most reliable of all the medium to deep pink climbers.

William Baffin, a Canadian developed variety that is just about the best of the renowned Explorer series of roses, has been proven in thousands of gardens over many seasons for its colorful reblooming, low maintenance requirements, excellent disease resistance, unusual cold hardiness and salt tolerance. You will be rewarded with big color from clusters of up to 30, double, strawberry-pink 2 1/2 inch blooms that are moderately fragrant. Clusters of small orangeed hips follow in the autumn and remain into winter, until relished by the local bird population. Beautiful, glossy, green foliage that is totally resistant to diseases, acts as a backdrop for the blooms. William Baffin matures at 10-15 feet, making it ideal for a trellis or arbor. Although bred in Ontario Canada, William Baffin performs equally well as far south as Florida.

Planting and Care

• For best results plant in the fall or spring. Fall planting works particularly well with William Baffin.
• Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.
• Plant in well-drained, compost enriched soil.
• Mulch well the first winter.
• Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.
• Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.
• Hardy in Zones 4-9.

Click here to view William Baffin Climbing Rose on the Carroll Gardens website.

A Color Break-through in Climbers!

I can remember the excitement of the first lavender rose, ‘Sterling Silver,’ exactly 50 years ago. Everyone wanted one. It has taken a long time; but the lavenders have deepened to purple, especially in the last decade. Vigor, hardiness and disease resistance have also improved considerably. Finally we have a true claret purple climber. And it may just be the best purple rose of all – a truly distinctive addition to your garden.

‘Night Owl’ – a unique new climbing rose with extraordinary features:

Clusters of rich wine purple blooms with contrasting yellow stamens; a color like no other climber. The blooms do not fade even in the hottest of climates. Combines beautifully with the soft yellow climber, ‘Lemon Meringue’ or the deeper yellow ‘Autumn Sunset.’

Blossoms are very long-lived and repeat cycles come quickly and dependably.

Sweet fragrance is a combination of clove and spice.

Profuse foliage with exceptional disease resistance.

Prodigious, vigorous grower – up to 14 feet. Ideal for fences or large trellises. On fences, we suggest planting on every other, or possibly every 3rd fence post. Picture ‘Night Owl’ on a trellis against white or soft pastel-colored siding.

Unlike many climbing roses, ‘Night Owl’ should bloom the same year if planted in early spring.

Planting and Care

Hardy in Zones 5-9.

For best results plant in spring or fall.

Plant in full sun for best blooms, but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant in well-drained, compost-enriched soil.

Mulch well the first winter.

Pruning and shaping, when necessary, should be accomplished after the initial spring bloom.

Fertilize with Rose-Tone monthly from early spring until late summer.

What is more beautiful than seeing a home or building with an arch of climbing roses in the landscaping? Climbing roses are one of many plants that branch out and intertwine themselves among arches, trellises, or even buildings and railings. They can add a great landscape element to any foundation.

Climbing roses are different from the regular roses that are planted as they are trained to grow upward like vines. Some of them are hybrid teas, wichuraine, and large flowered climbers. They are a beautiful addition to the look of ones house

Would you like more information about climbing roses? It is easy to learn about this great beauty. First of all, there are many types of climbing roses. They range in color, texture, and look. They also range in hardiness as well. Of course, you need to know what you are looking of in your climbing rose. When choosing climbing roses, some things that you need to consider are size, shade tolerance, disease resistance and colour.

Most important is knowing your hardiness level. This tells you what will grow in your area. Also as important is to pick varieties that will grow in the element you are placing them. What type of soil will you use? Will the area have full sun, partial sun, or will it be in shade.

Before getting discouraged, though, realize that there are many varieties of climbing roses to choose from and more then likely, you will find something to meet your needs. To find variety, forget about choosing your local hardware store, discount department store, or even the local gardening outlet. While these places often have a good selection, they don’t have the most.

Use the internet to find some great climbing roses of the most beautiful variety. Often you can have a catalog sent to you with many choices, or you can find and buy online. You will be able to find just what you are looking for, or maybe even something you never imagined.

Climbing roses can add a lot to any landscape. Take the time to choose climbing roses that fit your area and landscape design. Also, grab a book or do a little research online about the care the type of climbing rose you chose will need. Taking this time to do these things will give you the best climbing rose you can get.

About the Author

Ken Austin
Online Discount Shopping Guide
Roses and Rose Gardening