How to Put Up Wire for Climbing Roses

What Materials Are Needed to Install a Climbing Rose Support System?

To set up a wire trellis for climbing roses, you will need the following materials:

Wire: Stainless steel wire is highly recommended due to its durability and resistance to rust. Common gauges used are 1/8 inch or 1/16 inch.
Posts and Anchors: Stainless steel screw eyes, eye bolts, or wall anchors are necessary for securing the wire to the fence or wall. For wooden fences, use screw eyes, and for brick or masonry walls, use wall anchors.
Turnbuckles and Ferrules: Turnbuckles are used to tension the wire, and aluminum ferrules help secure the wire ends.
Tools: Drill, drill bits, pliers, and a string leveler are essential for installation.

Spacing: Screw eyes or eye bolts should be spaced about 12 inches apart to provide adequate support for the climbing roses.
Height: The wire should be installed at intervals of about 2 feet vertically to prevent excessive sway and ensure the roses can grow horizontally across the trellis.

Measure and Mark: Measure the area where you will install the trellis and mark the spots for the screw eyes or eye bolts using a string leveler to ensure they are level.
Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes for the screw eyes or eye bolts to make installation easier.
Install Screw Eyes or Eye Bolts: Screw in the screw eyes or eye bolts by hand until they become too tight, then finish with a hand tool.
Attach Wire: Thread the wire through the screw eyes or eye bolts and secure it with aluminum ferrules. Use pliers to crimp the ferrules for a friction fit.
Tension the Wire: Use turnbuckles to tension the wire, ensuring it is tight but not overly so.
Secure the Roses: Tie the rose canes to the wire using soft twist ties, rather than weaving them through the lattice. Train the roses to grow horizontally across the trellis for optimal flower production.

Seasonal Adjustments: Check the tension of the wire annually and adjust as necessary. Remove any dead or damaged canes from the roses to maintain health and promote blooming.
Inspections: Regularly inspect the trellis for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Replace any damaged components promptly.
Weather and Plant Growth: Ensure the trellis is designed to withstand weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow. For plants that grow vigorously, additional support may be needed to prevent the trellis from being overwhelmed.

Wire and Hardware: The cost can vary, but a typical wire trellis kit with 1/8 inch stainless steel wire, screw eyes, turnbuckles, and other necessary hardware can range from $50 to $200, depending on the length and quality of the materials.
Tools: Basic tools like drills, pliers, and string levelers are generally inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
Recommended Brands: Acemaker and Heirloom Roses offer high-quality wire trellis systems that are durable and easy to install.