I would like to use a copper trellis to support climbing roses on a hot, south-facing wall. Will the copper get too hot and harm the rose canes that touch it?

Trellises and arbors are great garden accents that provide support and definition for vining or trailing plants. If not for support, these plants would meander aimlessly around the garden. Trellises and arbors with established plants can be used to provide interest to blank walls, frame other garden ornaments or provide a dramatic entrance to the garden.

The most popular material for trellises and arbors is wood. However, iron, copper, or other metal trellises are once again becoming popular. They lend a feeling of stability and elegance to the garden, and, in fact, are quite long-lasting when properly maintained (unpainted iron, for example, will rust).

Growing plants on metal arbors or trellises poses no particular problems. The vines will shade the metal as they grow, keeping it from absorbing excessive heat.