Ask Ludwig: Roses for pergolas

Sarah Westerford of Lyttelton Manor writes: My new home has a pergola in the garden and I would love to grow climbing roses over it. Which varieties would you suggest?

Ludwig replies: The most suitable roses are those that are more supple and branching, like ‘Climbing Iceberg’, ‘Clair Matin’ and ‘Wedding Garland’. They can be trained up a pillar and will then branch more or less horizontally at the top, unlike very vigorous old-fashioned climbers that will keep on growing upwards.