I probably should have mentioned that I'm located in Fort Worth, TX. And this arbor is going to be surrounded by decking. I'm hoping that about an 18" square flower bed is enough dirt to grow this plant in. Any thoughts on that as well?

That is going to be a GREAT deal of reflected, radiated heat. I'm afraid being surrounded by all that decking might cook it, preventing it from looking good. What about the falling flower petals on the decking and in the pool? What about the possibilities of having to spray it against bugs and diseases? You definitely don't want insecticides or fungicides on the deck and in the pool water where bare feet and bodies will absorb them. You have natural humidity there which can cause fungal issues to begin with. Adding a pool with its increased humidity and the extra heat from the deck and water surface itself, may push the issue over the edge, creating a real disease problem.

18" isn't a lot of surface area for the plant to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. It's also not a lot of water absorption area. I've dealt with climbing roses and other vines in such restricted soil surface areas and they are frequently NOT happy at all. Of course, they have been in zones 8, 9, and 10 where the conditions are not as cold, but can be quite a bit hotter, but many of the same issues are quite similar.

Will the soil the plant is to grow in close enough to be exposed to splashed chlorine water from the pool? If so, forget it. Chlorine kills plants. Repeated exposure can severely inhibit any plant and eventually kill it.

What kind of "decking" are you planning? Hard scape or wood or? Wood won't reflect as much heat, but it's also more susceptible to wood rot and staining than hard scape (concrete, stone).

There are thornless, or relatively thornless roses which may be suitable because of their lack of armature, but these other issues may make them unsuitable for the application. You need something hardy enough for both your heat, cold and humidity which doesn't have disease or insect issues requiring chemical intervention where you and your family and guests will be exposed to them. Perhaps others in your zone can suggest suitable alternatives. Kim

Thanks, Roseseek. You make a lot of good points. They haven't started construction, so we can still make changes. I just thought it would be pretty to grow something up the arbor posts. It looks like the flowerbed for the posts would start approx 30" from water's edge. It would be on 2 corners of a 10" tanning ledge.

The decking is going to be salt-finishe concrete. The area is naturally pretty well shaded. I have been tracking the shade in the proposed pool area. That particular part receives some sun about 3-4pm -- but probably only 2 hours at most.

Also, it might be useful to note that we are installing an automatic pool cover. Our intention is to keep it covered a great deal of the day, primarily for safety reasons for our daughter, but also to help with debris since we have a number of plants already in this area.

With all that said -- is there any type of climbing plant that would be suitable?? I know this is the rose forum, so not sure if anyone can comment on other vines as well!

" The area is naturally pretty well shaded. I have been tracking the shade in the proposed pool area. That particular part receives some sun about 3-4pm -- but probably only 2 hours at most. "

Just two hours of sun for the area a day? Am I reading that right? That's a No for roses.

A no for many flowering vines as well--they are sun lovers. I would say Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), but that is only hardy to zone 8.

Even in the hottest, most brilliant sun, two hours would be far too little for a rose to flourish. If I were you, I would check with the local garden centers (hopefully NOT a Home Depot or Lowe's, but a REAL "garden center") for vines which can handle your climate and only two hours of sun daily. Make sure there is good drainage. Try to build up the sides of the planting area so chlorine water doesn't splash out into that soil when someone uses the pool or when there is excessive rain (IF there ever is any more!). Put irrigation into the planter prior to the decking being laid so it can take care of itself without you having to drag a hose to it all the time. Perhaps one of our Texan members might have a suggestion? Kim

Home4sale,
If you're in Ft. Worth, Texas, your horticultural zone is 8a, not 7. I only mention this because I know gardening isn't your main interest, and because it might make a difference in what plant you're able to grow. Star Jasmine, for example, that hoovb mentioned, might not survive in zone 7 but would do better in zone 8a. Here's some info on the Star Jasmine that might be of interest. It sounds like there are some hardier versions of Star Jasmine as well, from reading this. A good idea is to go to a good nursery and ask for ideas, as Kim said.

Here is a link that might be useful: star jasmine

Home4sale,

I don't think roses are going to be very happy in the location you're describing. When I read your post, I immediately thought of star jasmine, too. It's evergreen and doesn't have the massive seasonal leaf loss of deciduous southern climbers. It prefers neutral to alkaline soils and good drainage, so if you are sitting on a chunk of that tar...I mean black clay/shallow bedrock that underlies much of the topsoil in the area (I grew up next door in Dallas), you have yet another reason for raising your beds as Kim suggested. Star jasmine is quite fragrant. I have some on my deck. Local nursery: you might try Calloways. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden has a website with a contact email form. They can be really helpful!

Carol (Texas to Oregon transplant)

Thanks everyone for the information! You all have been really helpful! I planted a star jasmine at another home, and I do remember that being a nice plant.

There is a family-owned nursery less than a mile from my house. They are really great with plants that do well only in this area. I will definitely talk to them!! They don't seem to carry very many varieties of roses. (There is another larger family-owned nursery across town that has a great website that I have visited. ) That's why I posted to this forum. Obviously, I don't have much experience with roses!! Basically knock-out roses is all I have, and do well wherever!!

Harrborrose -- I'm a bit confused about my zone. To register for this site, I googled "find my garden zone" and went to garden.org and entered my zip code. It says my zone is 7B. The map looks to change right near my area.

Thanks everyone! I have previously heavily relied on 3 books that I have for DFW gardening. But was just hoping that something different would work. Sounds like this is not the place for that!!

Try this USDA site. It's for an interactive zone map to determine your zone. It should help. Kim

Here is a link that might be useful: Interactive zone map

That site says 8A! I changed my profile to indicate that. But on a side note, the garden web profile page also has a "find your zone" to put in your zip. Mine says 7 there as well!!

This site is the more current. Weather and climates are changing...for whatever reason. I'd believe the most recent information. You can check what you feel fits best simply by looking at the temperature range for that zone and comparing it to what you have experienced. Remember, too, your adding all that masonry work is going to raise both your winter and summer heat and mitigate any effects "cold" may have. It's going to be a huge solar collector. Out in the lawn, the temps will likely be significantly, noticeably cooler than anywhere near that decking. You may be able to grow something more suitable for a higher zone simply because of the solar heating effects of the hard scape. It's a double edged sword. It may be too hot for some plants, while warm enough to permit the use of things you otherwise might not be able to grow. Interesting dilemma. Kim

Home4sale, I grow Star Jasmine and I'm just about 20 miles south of Dallas. I have to replant it about once every 10 years after an unusually hard winter. It's worth it! Lou

We have bouganvilla surrounded by our pool. A little work getting out leaves but it's so beautiful