There are many different types of roses. First, there are different growth habits: shrub, tree, climber, miniature and ground cover. Then, there are species roses, hybrid roses and cultivars.
Recently, I admired a beautiful ‘Cecile Brunner’ climbing rose. The small, pale pink flowers are fragrant. They grow profusely through spring and summer on a plant that may grow to 10 feet tall on an arch or trellis. It prefers full sun, and fertile well-drained soil, but will tolerate poor soil and some neglect.
I was curious what type of rose the ‘Cecile Brunner’ is. The Royal Horticultural Society describes it as a climbing polyantha. It has an interesting parentage; it is a hybrid between ‘Rosa multiflora’ and an uncertain hybrid tea rose.
One caveat if you are considering this rose; don’t plant it close to your house. Remember our 0- to 5-foot free zone, defensible space for fire safety.
— Katie Martin, UC Marin Master Gardener
