Climbing Rose
Rosa setigera
Last reviewed: July 2026
Rosa setigera is a climbing native rose found across eastern and central United States that blooms in June and July with fragrant pink flowers. This hardy vine attracts bees and beetles while providing excellent wildlife habitat.
Climbing Rose (Rosa setigera) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Climbing Rose as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
96"–240" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
This native climbing rose produces clusters of pink flowers in early summer, followed by red rose hips in fall. It can grow quite large and needs support structures like fences, trellises, or arbors to climb effectively.
Growing Climbing Rose
Grow Climbing Rose in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Climbing Rose is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: high. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Requires ongoing pruning to prevent overgrowth
- Needs sturdy support structure
- Can look unruly without regular maintenance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during bloom season. Birds feed on the rose hips in fall and winter, and the thorny canes provide nesting sites for songbirds.
Common questions
- When does Rosa setigera bloom?
- Rosa setigera typically blooms in June and July, producing clusters of fragrant pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Rosa setigera?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Rosa setigera, visiting the flowers for nectar and pollen during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Rosa setigera native?
- Rosa setigera is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska.
- What growing conditions does Rosa setigera prefer?
- This climbing rose thrives in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and adapts to a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Climbing Rose toxic to dogs?
- Climbing Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Climbing Rose toxic to cats?
- Climbing Rose is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Climbing Rose toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Climbing Rose as toxic to livestock.
- Is Climbing Rose HOA-friendly?
- Climbing Rose is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with high maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Climbing Rose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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