David Austin® Claire Austin® English Climbing Rose

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a location that receives at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend the soil with compost to improve drainage. Position the rose with the graft union slightly above ground level, then backfill with soil. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

2. Watering: Water every 2–3 days for the first two weeks, then water 1–2 times per week during the first growing season, adjusting for your climate and soil type. Roses prefer deep watering to encourage strong root growth. Once established, water deeply about once per week. Water at the base of the plant and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Pruning: Prune in late winter while roses are dormant. During the first two years, climbing roses focus on establishing roots and building their main framework, so prune lightly and remove only dead or diseased wood. Tie long canes to a support structure such as a fence or trellis, and shorten stems that do not yet reach the structure. In year three and beyond, continue training long canes along the main framework and prune shorter stems back by about half. Remove older stems at the base to encourage fresh, productive new canes.

4. Fertilizing: Apply Espoma Rose-tone® or a balanced fertilizer formulated for roses, following package instructions. Fertilize in early spring and again in early summer, and avoid fertilizing after mid-summer.