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Gardening in the UK

Rambling roses

18 years ago

Hello

My name is Alice I live in France and I am new to this forum.

I have just ordered some rambling roses (Kiftsgate, Rambling Rector, Kew Rambler and Wedding day) from Peter Beals to plant against walls between my house and my neighbours. However I have just discovered that they can grow very large. Does anyone know if they can be pruned to keep them to about three metres high?

Alice.

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Comments (3)

garden_nerd
18 years ago
Hi Alice,
Welcome to Garden web.
I have a Rambling Rector which was planted at the base of a lilac tree about 2.5 years ago. So far it is about 2-4 m high, and has not required pruning yet or presented a problem. However, I expect to have to work hard to control it when it really gets going and I think I'll end up taking it out after 5 years or so. I'm a bit disappointed in it really, as the flowers are an undistinguished colour, not very scented, don't last very long and don't seem to produce nice hips. It's a typical rambler in the sense that it throws up long wands from the base (up to 5m long so far) rather than developing a framework of permanent branches like other climbing roses. So I'll have to choose between cutting out the weakest of these to reduce its bulk or chopping the tops off them to reduce the height. I'll probably go for the thinning method, looks more natural.

As for Kiftsgate, I saw the rose growing in full swing when I visited. It was truly scary - it had spread itself over an area at least 15 m square with massive, arching, thorned stems bounding every where, high up in to some very large trees as well. I know when I'm beat! I think you'd struggle to keep that thing confined to 30m let alone 3m.

Not that I'd want to put you off after you've ordered them but think very carefully about how you are going to site and control these plants, particularly the Kiftsgate. If you phoned Peter Beale maybe someone would advise you and let you change your order?
mariannese
18 years ago
I agree with garden_nerd about trying to cancel or change your order for these ramblers. You could control them if absolutely necessary but they will be stunted and will not give their best. Besides, it will be very hard work for you.
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mrcrip
18 years ago
I have to say that whenever I have bought roses online I use Apuldram Roses as the have expected growth information for each rose is clearly visible. Ramblers can seemingly go on and on. If you are unsure it is always best to speak to the rose supplier themselves.

Here is a link that might be useful: Climbers and Rambler Roses

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