Where are you, geographically, and what kind of climate are you gardening in? Roses which get 8 ft tall in some climates get 20 ft+ in other climates, so it is important to know, if you want to fit 2 on one arch.

Jackie

Hi, i am from a place with the US equivalent of a zone 10b-11a so climbers really do reach their full potential here. I do get really heavy rain (140+ days of rain a year, 107 inches annually... it's actually raining rn as i am typing this 😂), 85% average humidity, clayey loam soil, and temperatures from 7-38 celcius. I hope this helps.

Thanks Jacqueline!

I have Eden and Ghislaine de Feligonde together with Lady Northcliffe Clematis.

I have so much winter kill here in the Great White North that it's not been problem for me and they hang out nicely together. Not sure how it would work in a warmer climate.

Thanks!! Do you likr the look of 2 different blooms on the same arch? Or would you prefer a single one 😅

As Jackie said -- Where are you? What is your climate?

It makes a 100% difference.

I DO like the look of two different climbing roses on an arch. I also like the look when something unifying, like a clematis or delicate annual vine intermixes with the two different roses. If your zone is one where roses tend to grow larger, you might try going for ones that are not technically climbers but varieties that can be encouraged to reach upward. Abe Darby is an example of an older Austin like that. Calling David Austin or the nursery where you are purchasing to check on ultimate sizes in your zone might be wise. Alternately, you could grow a climber over the top of an arch and then plant another upright or shrubby rose on the other side of the arch to grow against it. Maybe plant some fluffy perennials at the foot of the arch on both sides? Carol

Thank you portlandmysteryrose and flowersaremusic. These suggestions are really valuable to me. The clematis with the roses is an unbeatable combination!

Flowers, the beauty of your clematis, and even better when they are combined with your roses, just astounds me. The colors are sublime, and the clematis fill in so well where the roses need a bit of filling in, and it all works so well to augment the climbing roses. My favorite is Rosarium Uetersen with the Vancouver Sea Breeze clematis. Is there another rose on the other side of the arbor?

Flower Power, I was just going to mention that in zone 10, two big climbers on one arbor would probably swamp the arbor. I'm just in zone 7, but my Colette threatens to do just that, and there is no second rose climbing to meet her, nor would there be any room for a second rose. I can visualize the two roses battling in out. I think one vigorous rose would be plenty on a big arbor. My arbor is pretty big. Diane

Flower Power, I just realized you were asking about combining two roses, not what to combine with roses. So sorry.

Diane, I'm the one who's astounded! My Colettes are shrubs, and I can't imagine one covering both sides of a large, or even small, arbor. She obviously loves her spot in front of your entry. If you didn't keep her in bounds, I wonder where she would stop? Somewhere down the street is my guess.

Rosarium Uetersen is on the same arbor with Bonny, who is doing her version of your Colette, and covering both sides, now. RU had to peek through Bonny's bountiful tiny blossoms this year. The whole thing needs help, and I dread tackling it. That's the pic with the huge weed front and center that I didn't see until I posted it the first time.

Flowers, I think you and I need to hire a strong man to tackle our out of control climbers. But you have your grandson, so could he help? I'm afraid Colette would fall on Clare, and we'd never see her (Clare) again. I don't remember seeing the huge weed in your photos. I wish my Colette were a shrub so I wouldn't be facing the problem of what to do with her. Oh, and I also I wish I could grow clematis like you do. Diane

Omg. You all are more than rose experts. Your roses look stunning. Breathtaking is an understatement.

I will surely consider only one on an Arbor. I hope crown princess margareta takes over the entire Arbor 😅

@Diane Brakefield Your Colette always takes my breath away! Seeing your pictures, I got one for myself! :D

Did your colette take a while to get established? I got potted colette this spring and planted it in the ground in the prime of summer this year in SoCal zone 9b Los Angeles, but it hasnt bloomed since spring. It did lose some foliage after planting in the ground but after that, its doing good, foliage-wise. I fed it too. Am I missing something. It gets sun from 12pm - sunset.

Diane, it's the climate and that alone. I'm still embarrassed for introducing rose companions to this thread when that isn't what the OP asked for. Clems aren't even appropriate in her zone. I couldn't have gotten farther off base.

Rose Beginner, I don't think you've done anything wrong. How large was your Colette when you bought it? Mine started from a 5 gallon pot so it was fast on the take off. Yours probably didn't have enough time between spring planting and the heat of summer to do any blooming. I think another spring and she'll be blooming fine. I think you're giving her plenty of sun, too, especially in your southern zone. I came across this photo the other day of Colette in her first season. Quite a change from now. I hope you have a big arbor for Colette. Diane

first year 2013

Flowers, it was such a treat to see your clematis. Please, there is no reason to be embarrassed, and your photos are so outstanding that anyone, whether they could grow clems or not, would want to see your clematis. Note in the photo above you can see the cattle fence posts driven several feet into the ground by my son in law's sledge hammer, then lashed to the arbor. Not pretty but effective. We learned our lesson from New Dawn. Diane

Ha, ha! New Dawn is Beauty and the Beast packed into one rose. Gorgeous photos, everyone! Carol

@flowersaremusic z5 Eastern WA I hadn't seen that first picture before, it's incredible. You inspired me to try more clems (so far I only have first year President ones) so I ordered 2 of them today. Fingers crossed they look even a fraction as good as yours 🤞

Diane, you DO grow a beautiful clematis, Rosemoor, near Colette! It always looks like it's loaded with blooms in your pics.

Magpie, They will do great in your zone. The President is a beautiful purple that will compliment any rose. Can't wait to see pictures!

I used to grow The President at my old house. Such a lovely purple -blue. I was just thinking I need one at this house…..

I hope so, they were box store cheapies (The Pres) but I splurged on 2 fancier ones "Miniseelik" and "Ilka".