Filipes Kiftsgate Rambling Rose Bushes

The Kiftsgate Rambling Rose

Rosa Filipes Kiftsgate is one of the most famous (and largest) roses in the world. It is a giant rambling rose producing the most unbelievable show of cascading trusses of beautifully scented, creamy-white flowers in midsummer which are followed in autumn by masses of bright red hips. (Being a bit of an anorak, I have actually tried to count the flowers on one truss and gave up when I reached 100 - Ed). It does not repeat flower, but the sight of the Kiftsgate Rose in full bloom is unforgettable and the space it occupies is worth every penny. It is a little bit like the firework that ends the show.

See the full range of rambling rose bushes and plants .

Great for your garden

Because rosa Filipes Kiftsgate can easily grow to more than 40ft (13m) it is clearly not for your average back garden. At Kiftsgate Court it is nearly 30m tall which is about 100ft. However it is the perfect rose for covering double garages and clambering into large trees, as it grows to great heights and is shade tolerant. Whatever you grow it into however needs to be strong as, when fully grown, Kiftsgate is heavy. It is disease resistant, shade tolerant and the first rose to put on your list if you have the space.

Rosa Filipes Kiftsgate facts

• Type: Rambler
• Colour: White
• Flower shape: Simple, single
• Fragrance strength: Fabulous
• Final height and spread: 50ft x 20ft
• Flowering season: Mid-summer
• Repeat Flowering: No
• Disease resistance: Excellent

Filipes Kiftsgate Rambling Rose trivia

The Kiftsgate rose was found in the gardens at Kiftsgate Court in the 1930s and was named in 1951. Given its rate of growth it is hard to see why it was not taken note of before! Its complete parentage is unknown, but it is almost certainly a seedling from rosa filipes which is a giant rambler (although not as large as Kiftsgate).

How to plant Filipes Kiftsgate Rambling Roses

Filipes Kiftsgate can be ordered at any time - bareroot for planting between November to April, or pot grown for the summer.

Plant 24-36 ins away from the support on which it will climb. A shaded spot is OK as it will break through to the sunlight above soon enough. Dig a hole deep enough to allow the graft to finish at soil level when planted and with plenty of room for the roots. Improve the soil from the hole by removing large stones, weeds, roots and other rubbish and mixing in plenty of well rotted compost or manure. Spread Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi over the bottom of the hole so it will make contact with the roots. If planting a pot grown Kiftsgate gently loosen some of the roots before planting.

Position the plant so its roots are spread out and it is growing at approximately the same level in the soil as it was before being transplanted. Backfill the hole with the planting mix, firming it down as you go. Water in thoroughly. Water again a day or two later and then keep watering in dry spells.

Feed with a good top dressing and then mulch with well rotted manure in spring and (guess what) keep well watered during dry periods for the first year.

Rambling roses flower on the wood of the previous year so pruning really involves removal of growths that are old and tired or in the wrong place. Because of its vigour, you may need to reduce its size drastically every few years in which case take about half the plant down to ground level one year and the other half the next year. New growths will spring up from the base if you do this. All pruning, whether cosmetic or remedial should be done in winter when the temperature is above freezing. Filipes Kiftsgate should not be deadheaded as it is almost worth growing for its hips alone.