Patience. That's the biggest tip for a new climber. It will take it at least 3 years to even begin to climb and probably 5 before it really looks like a climber.

As for a trellis, what ever you choose make it something very strong and something that will not rot or rust out for a long time. The worst job in the world is trying to replace a trellis under a full grown climber.

Don Juan is a great rose.

Hi,
Welcome to GW, the rose forum is great. Climbers take patience and time. Do you have a fence you would like to hide? Or maybe an area in your garden that you want to separate? If not, may I recommend a umbrella structure where you might like shade? I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of one, but they are stunning and make a good focal point.
Good luck

I get 8-9 ft obelisks (18 inches in the ground for stability) and loosely wind my climbers around them. You will need something to tie the canes where you want them to go. You can buy them ready-made at the garden centers or cut your old nylon footies into strips and use them.

If you go with obelisks, I advise planting the climber outside the obelisk. Trying to reach through an obelisk to pull weeks from around the plant or other such chores is difficult. Outside the obelisk is much easier.

I searched online until I found obelisks tall enough. Most of the ones they sell are only 5-6 ft maximum--not tall enough for a real climber--but there are some so-called "short climbers" that might work on the shorter obelisks.

Some sites call them tuteurs also.

Good luck.

Kate

Thanks for the advice...I'll just have to shop around for a good trellis or obelisk that will worj

One structure that I saw that made a beautiful umbrella trellis for roses was originally meant to hang laundry on. Completely stunning.
I look forward to seeing your Don Juan in a few years.

I should never have opened this thread, I had no clue there was even such a thing as an umbrella trellis! Now I want one!!!

I've seen a couple pictures of umbrella-like trellises on the web, and they can be really beautiful. I want one, too!