The Rose Species You Can Grow As A Thick Shrub Or Train To Climb Structures

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"Versatile" may not be the first word that comes to mind when you're thinking about roses, but that may change once you get to know the 'Sally Holmes' rose (Rosa 'Sally Holmes'). These roses not only have white, single blooms that last from spring through fall, but they can also fill a number of needs in your garden. Whether you want a rose that's a shrub or a climber, this cultivar might be the one for you. Growing up to 12 feet tall and 5 feet wide, this rose can fill in awkward spots and perform multiple functions. We're sure you will want to add 'Sally Holmes' to the list of roses you should grow in your garden.

Like other roses, 'Sally Holmes' prefers full-sun and well-drained, rich soil, and requires watering. However, this repeat bloomer is a great option for providing color throughout the growing season. Hardy in USDA zone 5 to 9, the blooms tend to change throughout the season, going from peach in spring, to white in summer, and ending up pink in the fall. It has the added benefits of being disease resistant and mostly free of thorns, so growing it in high-traffic areas shouldn't be a problem. We told you it was versatile!

'Sally Holmes' flowers appear in clumps and have been described as resembling hydrangea flowers. So, it's easy to understand why you'd want to grow these repeat bloomers as a shrub. The good news is that this is an easy rose to grow and requires relatively little maintenance. 

Prune 'Sally Holmes' in early spring to get rid of any dead or diseased wood. Deadheading regularly encourages more blooming, and these roses work as great cut flowers. Rebloomers like 'Sally Holmes' can quickly burn through the nutrients in the soil, so be sure to add a fertilizer designed for roses in spring, summer, and late summer to get the multi-season blooms this rose is known for. In winter, keep your 'Sally Holmes' shrubs mulched.

In addition to their versatile growing habits, 'Sally Holmes' roses work well in a wide variety of settings. Because they bloom profusely, they make good specimen plants and are a great addition to a cottage garden border. Combine them with other gorgeous rose varieties that don't require pruning or with companion plants like alliums and catmint to add variety to your borders. Or choose from these other companion plants for roses to ensure plenty of seasonal color.

Many of the same rules will apply if you're growing 'Sally Holmes' as a climber. It will want the same sun, soil, and water conditions, but may need more intervention from you. From walls to trellises to fences, these plants will climb anything you ask them to. How much pruning will be involved really depends on the look you want to achieve. 

If you plant one of these roses near a pathway, over a gate, or in other high traffic areas, it may need more trimming. Cutting back lateral growth will help keep these roses from getting unruly. Once your 'Sally Holmes' reaches its full height, you may want to invest in something like the GARTOL Pruner for Garden to help extend your reach. Obviously, however, you will need to put some work into training these roses to your structure by tying them in place with twine or a purpose-made tie. The training methods will differ depending on the type of support, so it's up to you to find the right methods for your situation.

While 'Sally Holmes' is known to be an easy variety to grow, brushing up on tips for growing climbing roses will ensure you get the best results. From learning how to train these roses along your chosen structure to a gardening trick to help climbing roses burst into bloom, there's a lot to know to get the best out of your climbers.