Growing Clematis And Roses Together

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

From Rhonda Fleming Hayes, a Master Gardener and contributing writer for Nature Hills Nursery.

The rose is probably the most well-known, well-loved flower in the garden. Clematis is called "queen of the vines". Such is the beauty of these two flowers; they can hold their own in any landscape. Combine them, and the effect is magical. I first saw this done while living in England. The British are masters when it comes to roses. Rose plants aren't left to stand alone with their bare legs exposed. They are integrated in the herbaceous border or underplanted with perennials like lavender or lady's mantle in formal beds. Their climbing roses often intermingle with twining clematis.

Weaving climbing roses and clematis together can be done in several ways. They can be chosen to bloom one after the other to extend the flowering season, one picking up where the other leaves off. Even better they can be coordinated to bloom simultaneously.

The arbor that marks the entrance to my kitchen garden is a perfect example of rose-clematis compatibility. The deep pink rose "Zepherine Drouhin" climbs up to join hands with the glistening white clematis "Henryii", then cascades back to earth. "Zepherine Drouhin", an old Bourbon rose literally perfumes the air at the height of bloom. Nearly thornless, I don't mind ducking through the branches to enter my garden. After its late spring show I prune back the few unruly canes for a tidier look through summer. Both plants then bloom sporadically through the season with a smaller encore in the fall. Some other combinations worth trying; honey-scented "Climbing Iceberg" with deep red clematis "Niobe" for dramatic contrast, or the pale pink climber "New Dawn" with deeper pink "Carnaby" in a monochromatic blend. Both "Climbing Iceberg" and "New Dawn" are hardy, vigorous climbers known for their disease resistance. Winners of merit by the Royal Horticultural Society; "Niobe" and "Henryii" quickly fill out with dark green foliage that requires little pruning.

Every year after it seems to explode with blooms, my husband remarks that my rose-clematis arbor is out of control. I just think it's out of this world. The brown thrasher's nest on top is icing on the cake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plant climbing roses and clematis together in the same garden space?

Yes, climbing roses and clematis make excellent garden companions and have been paired together by skilled gardeners, particularly in England, for generations. You can coordinate them to bloom in succession, extending your flowering season, or select varieties that bloom simultaneously for a dramatic combined display. Proven pairings include the deep pink Bourbon rose Zepherine Drouhin with white clematis Henryii, honey-scented Climbing Iceberg with deep red clematis Niobe, or pale pink New Dawn with deeper pink clematis Carnaby. Choose a sturdy support structure like an arbor or trellis, plant both within a few feet of each other, and train them to intertwine as they grow.

Can I plant a clematis and a climbing rose in the same hole, or do they need to be separated?

It's best to plant clematis and climbing roses in separate holes rather than the same one, as both are vigorous plants that will compete for nutrients and water if their root systems are crowded together. Aim to position them about 18 to 24 inches apart so each plant has adequate room to establish a strong root system. Plant them close enough that their stems can naturally intertwine as they climb a shared support structure like an arbor or trellis. Give each plant its own planting hole amended with compost, water them in well, and train the stems together as they grow.

How far apart should clematis and roses be planted so their roots do not compete?

When planting clematis and roses together, aim to position the clematis about 18 to 24 inches away from the base of the rose, allowing each plant enough room to establish its own root zone without significant competition. Both plants are heavy feeders, so compensate for any nutrient competition by amending the soil generously with compost at planting time and fertilizing regularly throughout the growing season. Train the clematis to lean toward the rose as it climbs rather than planting it directly at the base. This spacing gives you the lush, intertwined look seen on classic rose-clematis arbors while keeping both plants healthy and vigorous.

What type of clematis grows best when paired with climbing roses?

Several clematis varieties pair beautifully with climbing roses, and the best choices tend to be vigorous growers with strong foliage and prolific blooms. White 'Henryii' and deep red 'Niobe' are both Royal Horticultural Society award winners known for their dark green foliage and minimal pruning requirements, making them low-maintenance partners. For the most striking results, coordinate bloom times so the two plants flower simultaneously, or select varieties that bloom in sequence to extend your season. Start by matching flower colors intentionally, whether you want dramatic contrast like white rose with red clematis or a softer monochromatic pairing.

Which pruning group of clematis works best when growing through a rose?

Group 2 and Group 3 clematis both work well growing through roses, but for different reasons. Group 2 varieties like the white-flowering Henryii bloom in late spring alongside many climbing roses, then rebloom in fall, making them ideal for simultaneous color combinations. Group 3 clematis can be cut back hard each spring, which actually makes maintenance easier since you can prune the rose without worrying about damaging the clematis. Choose a Group 2 variety if you want that spectacular simultaneous bloom effect, or a Group 3 if you prefer easier pruning and a later-season show to extend color after your rose finishes.

Do roses and clematis grow well together on the same trellis or support structure?

Yes, roses and clematis are a classic pairing that thrive together on the same arbor, trellis, or fence. Climbing roses provide a sturdy framework for clematis vines to weave through, and the two can be timed to bloom simultaneously or in succession to extend your seasonal color. Hardy, disease-resistant climbers like Climbing Iceberg or New Dawn make especially good partners because they can hold up to the weight and competition of vigorous clematis varieties like Niobe or Henryii. Choose your pairing based on bloom time and color relationship, then plant clematis at the base of an established climbing rose and train the vines upward to intermingle naturally.

Will clematis damage or strangle rose canes as it grows?

Clematis is a twining vine and will weave itself through rose canes as it grows, but it will not strangle or seriously damage a healthy rose. The two plants are well-suited companions precisely because they support each other without competing aggressively. To keep the pairing manageable, prune back any unruly rose canes after the main spring bloom flush and allow both plants to find their natural balance on the support structure.

How do I train clematis to grow through a rose without the two plants tangling together?

Training clematis through a rose takes some patience but the two plants naturally complement each other when guided correctly from the start. Begin by planting your clematis about 18 inches away from the base of the rose to give each plant its own root space, then gently direct the clematis stems toward the rose using soft ties or garden twine in early spring as new growth emerges. As both plants grow, periodically tuck wayward clematis stems into the rose canes rather than letting them layer on top of each other, which reduces airflow and invites disease. Focus on weaving growth horizontally along a support structure like an arbor or trellis so both plants have room to display their blooms independently while still creating that intermingled effect.

How do I prune roses and clematis together without damaging either plant?

Timing is key when pruning roses and clematis grown together. For climbing roses like 'Zepherine Drouhin', wait until after their late spring bloom to trim back any unruly canes, which encourages a tidy appearance through summer and a smaller fall rebloom. Clematis varieties like 'Henryii' are vigorous self-managers that require little pruning, so focus your cuts on the rose canes and leave the clematis to fill in naturally. Work slowly through the intertwined growth, tracing each stem back to its source before cutting to avoid accidentally removing the wrong plant.

What companions grow well with clematis and roses in a mixed container or pot?

While the article focuses on pairing climbing roses and clematis together on arbors and in garden beds rather than container planting, classic companions that complement both plants include lavender and lady's mantle, as mentioned by British gardeners who use them to underplant roses beautifully. In a large container of at least 15 to 20 gallons, you could combine a compact clematis with a patio rose and edge it with trailing lady's mantle or a low lavender variety for fragrance and texture. Choose companions that share similar watering and sun requirements, and plant in spring once frost danger has passed to give roots time to establish before summer bloom season.