I've had Eden growing on the north side of a 6' tall fence for >20 years. My original intent was that I'd lash it to the fence, but that was never necessary. It grew perfectly as a free-standing bush of maybe 7-10 feet. I just let it go and arch on its own, which kinda pulled down the canes a bit. Sometimes newer canes grow taller, but eventually they get bigger and stronger and arch back down a bit. If I had to do it over again, I'd plant it in a big spot (not next to a fence) and just let it arch free-standing to its heart's delight :-D

Thank you Susan! I am going to give it a try here.

I agree with Susan. the vast majority of modern ”climbing” roses are simply very tall, upright shrubs, not true climbing plants.

Thank you Paul! I have never tried Eden since I expect it may struggle with blackspot here, but saw it on sale and those blooms have always been some of my favorites. I was definitely hopping for it to be one of those stiff moderns climbers.

I hope you both have a very merry Christmas!

Almost all of the stiff caned climbers are amenable. Even some older, true climbers can be grown free-standing if you're attentive to pruning.

My uncle grew New Dawn as a huge shrub around 10 feet across and at least 8 feet tall. I don't recommend it, having grown ND myself (three as of now, all huuuuuuge climbers, that my nephew calls New D*mn). Mine came from my uncle's place many years ago, but I choose my battles carefully these days, and pruning ND more than once every three years isn't one of them, lol.

Fig I love those monster roses!

I have very few remaining climbers, but Paul's comment applies to all of them: Compassion, Altissimo, William Allen Richardson, Sally Holmes, and Eden. Poor Jeanne Lajoie is planted way too close to Sally, so she doesn't know what to do with herself in not nearly enough sun :-D

This is a group of 3 Edens grown without support! I took this in Austria on a river cruise trip. It was a public garden, and every variety was planted in groups of three.

Wow Ben that is FABULOUS! I have been searching the internet for a picture like this without any luck. This is one of the many reasons this forum is so special to me. Nothing better than an image showing the entire plant 😊Thats my favorite style of plant also just a ball of leaves and flowers from top to bottom. I ordered two from Heirloom to plant them with Wellenspiel or Meine rose from palatine in a small grouping.