Special Anniversary Rose Bushes

• Variety: Special Anniversary
• Type: Climbing Rose
• Colour: Warm rose-pink
• Fragrance: Moderate, sweet
• Height: 300cm (10ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• Support: Wall, fence, pergola or arch
• Good for: South and west-facing walls, commemorative planting, cut flowers
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Special Anniversary is a warm rose-pink climbing rose with large double blooms and a classic high-centred form, flowering reliably from June through October. A repeat-flowering climber with moderate sweet fragrance, it grows to 300cm and makes an excellent choice for south and west-facing walls, fences and pergolas.

Special Anniversary, a Climbing Rose for Every Milestone

Special Anniversary was bred specifically for the commemorative gift market, and it lives up to its name in every way. The warm, soft rose-pink of its large double blooms carries a charm that feels both romantic and sophisticated. Each flower opens with a classic high-centred form, the sort of rose you might find in a traditional florist's arrangement, and the petals hold their structure well even as they mature. This is a climbing rose that looks at home on a country cottage wall or a contemporary garden fence.

The real strength of Special Anniversary lies in its repeat-flowering habit. From June right through to the first hard frosts in October, you will have continuous colour on your wall or support structure. That matters enormously for a climber; many once-flowering varieties deliver a glorious show in early summer and then disappear for months. Not so here. Deadhead spent blooms and the plant will keep producing fresh flowers week after week. It responds well to feeding and watering during the growing season, which encourages that abundance of bloom.

At 300cm, Special Anniversary will reach the eaves of a single-storey garden building or fill the height of a tall fence or pergola comfortably. Plant it where you can appreciate the sweetly scented flowers up close, ideally somewhere you pass regularly or can sit and enjoy them. The fragrance is moderate rather than overpowering, which some gardeners prefer; it comes through strongest on warm days.

Ideal Placements and Growing Conditions

Special Anniversary thrives on a south or west-facing wall, where it will receive good sunlight and warmth. A north-facing wall is less ideal, though the rose will still perform reasonably well if you have no alternative. It needs well-draining soil enriched with garden compost or well-rotted manure at planting time. Space it 45-60cm away from the wall or fence to ensure air circulation around the base, which helps prevent fungal issues. Tie in shoots regularly during the growing season to encourage an even coverage of the wall.

This is also a first-rate rose for cutting. The large double blooms last well in the vase and their soft colouring works beautifully in garden arrangements, particularly with lavender, clematis, or white herbaceous perennials.

Companion Plants for Pink Climbing Roses

Plant Special Anniversary with soft-coloured herbaceous companions to extend the season of interest and create rhythm in your borders. Lavender at the base echoes the sweetness of the flowers and attracts pollinators. Clematis varieties such as 'Jackmanii' or pale-flowered types can be woven through the same support for overlapping colour. Herbaceous perennials including catmint, salvia and delphinium work well beneath, providing structure before the rose reaches full height. Allium bulbs planted in front create a cottage garden feel and bloom while the rose is establishing.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries?

Our climbing roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock and supplied by specialist growers chosen for quality and care. We are winners of the Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award and the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. Browse our full climbing rose collection for more varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I prune Special Anniversary?

Prune in late winter, February or early March. Remove dead or diseased wood and shorten side shoots. See our detailed guide to pruning climbing roses for step-by-step advice.

How far apart should I plant climbing roses on a long wall?

Space plants 1.5-2 metres apart, depending on the vigour of the variety. At 300cm, Special Anniversary is moderate in spread, so 1.5 metres is comfortable and will avoid overcrowding as they mature.

Can I grow Special Anniversary on a pergola or arch?

Yes, absolutely. It grows well on pergolas and arches provided you tie in the stems regularly to encourage horizontal coverage. This also promotes lateral flowering shoots and a more even display of blooms.

Is Special Anniversary suitable as a commemorative gift planting?

Yes, that is exactly what it was bred for. The name itself carries meaning, making it a popular choice for anniversaries and other milestones. Plant it somewhere prominent as a living memory.

Does Special Anniversary repeat-flower reliably?

Yes. It will flower continuously from June to October if deadheaded and fed regularly during the growing season. This is one of its most valuable qualities as a climbing rose for year-round interest.