This post will identify five types of thornless or nearly thornless roses that you can grow in New England USDA zones 3b-7a! Whether it’s a climbing rose, rambling rose or a rose bush you are looking for, there are some beautiful roses out there for you! If you’re also interested in beautiful climbing vines, check out my previous post here.
Are Thornless Roses Really Thornless?
YES! There are actually roses that are thornless or nearly thornless roses. These types of roses are great options if you have young children, curious pets or simply would like to avoid the chances of getting pricked when pruning (or harvesting for beautiful arrangements) 🙂 Additionally, thornless roses are great options for planting near high traffic areas!
I have a near thornless climbing rose I am training up an arbor and it makes pruning and training easier when there are less thorns to battle!
Different Types of Roses
- Climbing roses can be trained up arbors, trellises, walls and obelisks. Also, that they lack tendrils to climb on their own, so you will need to train these types of roses. Climbing roses are also known to be repeat bloomers, meaning they bloom continuously throughout the season.
- Rambling roses can also be trained up a wall or trellis. They bloom only once per season.
- Shrub roses remain fairly compact and can even be grown in containers! Additionally, they are one of the easiest roses you can maintain and grow.
Five Beautiful Thornless Roses to Grow in New England
- Zephirine Drouhin– A beautiful pink climbing thornless rose that is a continuous bloomer! Hardiness zones 6-11. This baby will climb as high as 15 ft!
- Bleu Magenta– Just as it sounds, a magenta colored rambling thornless rose. Hardiness zones 5-10. Shade tolerant, blooms only once per season.
- James Galaway– A near thornless rose with pale pink flowers. A continuous bloomer with a light fragrance and a climbing habit. Hardiness zones 4-11. Climbs 12 ft in height.
- Yellow Lady Banks– A soft yellow thornless rose with mini blooms. Hardiness zones 6-9. Can reach 15-20 ft tall! A beautiful cottage rose.
- Lichfield Angel– A cream colored thornless shrub rose that reaches 5ft x 5ft. This rose has a light musk fragrance and is a repeat bloomer! Hardiness zones 4-11. This rose can also handle shady areas in your garden too.
Rose Care Supplies
Here are some links to some products on Amazon I use in case you are interested! If you end up making a purchase I get a tiny commission, so thank you kindly! 🙂