The Beauty of Altissimo Climbing Rose: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to roses, the Altissimo Climbing Rose is one of the most stunning varieties out there. With its vibrant red hue and long blooming season, it's no wonder this rose has become a fan-favorite among gardeners worldwide. But what exactly makes the Altissimo Climbing Rose so special? In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about this beautiful rose variety.

What is the Altissimo Climbing Rose?

The Altissimo Climbing Rose, or Rosa 'Altissimo', is a climbing hybrid tea rose that was first introduced in France in 1966. It is known for its large, single blooms that are a brilliant shade of red, and its long, arching canes that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Altissimo Climbing Rose is also prized for its disease resistance and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.

How to Plant and Care for Altissimo Climbing Rose

If you're interested in adding an Altissimo Climbing Rose to your garden, here are some tips on how to plant and care for this beautiful rose variety:

Planting

When planting your Altissimo Climbing Rose, choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball, and mix in some compost or other organic matter before planting. Water your new plant thoroughly and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Care

To keep your Altissimo Climbing Rose healthy and blooming, here are some care tips to follow:

• Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize in early spring and again in midsummer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
• Train the canes along a trellis or support structure to encourage vertical growth and prevent them from sprawling.

Altissimo Climbing Rose vs. Altissimo Hybrid Tea Rose

One common question that gardeners have about the Altissimo Climbing Rose is how it compares to the Altissimo Hybrid Tea Rose. While both varieties share the same stunning red coloration, there are some key differences between the two:

Size

The Altissimo Climbing Rose is a much larger plant than the Altissimo Hybrid Tea Rose, with canes that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Hybrid Tea variety, on the other hand, typically grows to a height of 4-5 feet.

Blooms

Both varieties produce large, single blooms, but the blooms of the Altissimo Hybrid Tea Rose tend to be slightly smaller than those of the Climbing Rose. Additionally, the Climbing Rose blooms more profusely and throughout a longer season.

Altissimo Climbing Rose Landscape Ideas

If you're wondering how to incorporate the Altissimo Climbing Rose into your landscape design, here are some ideas to consider:

Trellis or Arbor

Due to its climbing habit, the Altissimo Climbing Rose looks stunning when trained along a trellis or arbor. This not only provides support for the canes but also creates a beautiful focal point in the garden.

Wall or Fence

Another option is to plant the Altissimo Climbing Rose along a wall or fence, where it will add vertical interest and color to an otherwise plain surface.

Container

If you don't have space for a large climbing rose, consider planting an Altissimo Climbing Rose in a container. This allows you to enjoy its stunning blooms on a smaller scale, and you can move the container around to different areas of your garden as needed.

Altissimo Climbing Rose Companion Plants

To create a beautifully balanced garden design, it's important to choose companion plants that complement the colors and textures of your Altissimo Climbing Rose. Here are some ideas:

Lavender

The soft purple hues of lavender make a stunning contrast against the vibrant red of the Altissimo Climbing Rose.

Salvia

Salvia's bright blue flowers provide a striking complement to the red blooms of the Altissimo Climbing Rose.

Daylilies

Yellow and orange daylilies create a warm, sunny contrast to the cool tones of the Altissimo Climbing Rose.

Altissimo Climbing Rose Diseases

While the Altissimo Climbing Rose is generally disease-resistant, there are a few issues to watch out for:

Black Spot

This fungal disease causes black spots to appear on the leaves of the rose plant. To prevent black spot, water at the base of the plant rather than from above, and avoid overcrowding the plants.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that appears on the leaves of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure your rose plant receives adequate sunlight and air circulation.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that can damage the leaves and buds of the Altissimo Climbing Rose. To control aphids, use an insecticide or spray the plants with a strong stream of water.

Altissimo Climbing Rose FAQs

1. How long does the Altissimo Climbing Rose bloom?

The Altissimo Climbing Rose typically blooms from late spring to early fall, depending on the climate and growing conditions.

2. How tall does the Altissimo Climbing Rose grow?

The Altissimo Climbing Rose can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it a great choice for adding vertical interest to the garden.

3. Is the Altissimo Climbing Rose difficult to grow?

No, the Altissimo Climbing Rose is generally easy to grow and care for, as long as it receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

4. Can I grow the Altissimo Climbing Rose in a container?

Yes, the Altissimo Climbing Rose can be grown in a container, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's growing needs.

5. What colors do Altissimo Climbing Roses come in?

The Altissimo Climbing Rose comes in a stunning shade of red, but there are other climbing rose varieties available in different colors, such as pink, yellow, and white.


In the Altissimo Climbing Rose is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. With its vibrant red blooms, disease resistance, and easy-to-grow nature, it's no wonder this rose variety is so popular among gardeners worldwide. Whether you want to train it along a trellis or grow it in a container, the Altissimo Climbing Rose is sure to add beauty and interest to your outdoor space.