Ramblers get quite huge and often just have the one flush of flowers, albeit spectacular. Climbers are grown on a framework of branches and are better for training on small supports such as arches. They also can be bought in varieties that repeat flower thru summer. Do some homework on the internet for good varieties, try David Austin Roses and Peter Beales. They will show heights and you'll want one that says 2 or 3 metres. Don't be tempted to buy a vast variety (not Rambling Rector!!) or you'll spend all summer trying to tame it. This is not fun! If you want one without thorns, try Zephrine Drouhin. My mum has this and loves it.

Thanks Volunteer, have got Zephrine Drouhin but I want something to go over about 6ft in height and mine doesn't seem to be getting that big only its second year though so probably impatient. Does it grow as tall as 6ft? hope so because I like it very much and can move it to the arch if it is going to get that big.

The branches will get to about 9 feet or so. When you train it on the arch, bend the shoots over and try to wind them loosely on the arch. This encourages more flowering shoots along the stems rather than straight vertical growth with flowers at the top where you can't see/smell them. Be patient and spend time training the shoots, they'll look better that way. Then after a couple of years, cut out one branch quite low down to encourage more each year. Choose the oldest branch for removal. Do this every year for a constant new supply.

Thank you volunteer I will move Zephrine Drouhin then and see what I get thanks a lot for your reply any other climbers of similar colour and perfume that you know of because I have room for at least two to climb over the frame I am putting in.

Hi Oliveoil. The rose I have got growing on the arch at the bottom of the garden is called 'Charles de Mills', it is suppose to be a shrub rose, I have 2 of them they are both growing more like climbers, have a look at the arch. It was meant to grow under 4 feet.... yet it is over 6 feet on the arch, they are not self supporting, they are quite thin, therefore an arch is suitable for it, at the begining I did guide one on the arch by tying it. I do not think it will get any taller than that, it does get bushy. If you check Peter Beales roses, it will give you a lot of information about every kind of roses you can think of.
Good luck!!

ginger syllabub is a nice apricot climber

thank you michaella, have seen Charles de Mills, like it very much. I will check Peter Beales roses and get some help from that site.

Hijuju - thank you for that I will check it out tomorrow, many thanks for your reply

This Christmas I planted an arch with Paul Transon (also known as Paul Noel) which I got from Peter Beales. It flowered at Easter (admittedly in Italy) and is now close to half way up the arch, so I would say this would be a good one for you. It's recommended for arches and pergolas.

I also have one called Indigoletto which I got from a Dutch firm (Bakkers) who sent it directly to Italy. This has produced a beautful pink tea rose with lovely scent and that too seems to be growing well.

Thank you Niarratt will have a look at those two, thanks again for your reply - Hope the weather is treating you kindly in Italy very hot here. Need some rain never happy!!