Rise to the occasion: climbers and ramblers for maypole training

Rosa ‘Adélaïde d’orléans’

This rambler produces lightly scented, dainty clusters of blush-white rosettes that emerge from deep-pink buds. Although it only blooms once, the graceful flowers are often likened to cherry blossom. This is also good on an arch. Bred by Jacques, France, 1826. Height 16ft 4in

Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’

Tight clusters of pale-centred, purple flowers fade to violet blue and almost grey on this once-flowering rambling rose. It’s a superb performer on a wall, arch or on a support and, like most ramblers, it dates from the early 20th century.

Kiese, Germany, 1909. 9ft 8in

Rosa ‘Malvern Hills’

David Austin’s soft-yellow, repeat-flowering rambler is healthy and easily trained, due to its smooth stems. The small, semi-double

flowers appear from summer onwards. David Austin, 2000. 15ft

Rosa ‘The Garland’

Gertrude Jekyll’s favourite rose, with abundant clusters of white, orange-scented, frilly-edged flowers. These are born on long stems, so the flowers appear to move and sway. Summer-flowering and vigorous but prickly. Wells, 1835. 13ft 1in

Rosa ‘Francis E. Lester’

This rambler resembles a wild dog rose at first sight, but the simply-formed, peach-tinted single cream-white flowers are heavily scented. The dark, glossy foliage is really healthy and this one will tolerate some shade. Good hips follow on.

Lester, US, 1946. 13ft 1in

Rosa ‘Paul Transon’

Masses of double, fragrant strawberry-pink flowers fade to copper-pink, with a touch of apricot and yellow in the bud. The informally shaped blooms can repeat flower in late summer and are framed by glossy foliage. Barbier, France, 1900. 13ft