How to Espalier a Rose
To espalier a rose, choose a climbing or rambling variety, install horizontal wires against a wall or fence, and train the main canes flat along them in a formal pattern, tying them in and pruning side shoots each year.
Espalier is the art of training a plant flat against a support in a formal, often symmetrical pattern. Roses lend themselves to it beautifully: choose a climbing or rambling rose with long, flexible canes, and set up horizontal support wires eight to twelve inches apart on a sunny wall or fence.
As the rose grows, select strong main canes and tie them out horizontally along the wires with soft ties, spreading them into your chosen design. Horizontal training also maximizes flowering along each cane. Each year, tie in new growth and shorten the flowering side shoots when you prune, keeping the flat framework tidy.