Q.I would like to plant climbers for my new garden arch. I was thinking of a thornless rose and maybe an evergreen climbing plant. W
ould you have any advice on what plants would work, where to buy them and when to plant them? My garden can get very windy and cold. I have young children so don’t want any thorns to hurt them when playing. I want something that has a lovely flower and is ever green over the winter. I was thinking of having two different plants over the arch.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I like the idea of a thornless rose or two. You might reconsider two different climbers because even one can get heavy and collapse an arch. Spring is a good time to plant but roses can be planted in the fall as well. Here is an article about thornless roses. We don't recommend vendors, but these roses are sold at independent garden centers. There are other thornless rose breeders including David Austin.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/smooth-touch-roses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/old-english-roses.htm
