Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate' - Rambling Rose

Rosa 'filipes Kiftsgate' is an exceptional climbing rose in every way. Directly descended from a wild rose, it sends out branches that disappear in the middle of summer under a cloud of tiny white and fragrant dog roses. Once the flowering is finished, it is adorned with clusters of red hips, very decorative, which persist for a long time on its branches. Far from being left behind, its shiny green foliage takes on a beautiful orange hue in autumn before falling. With the announcement of its fabulous qualities, this botanical type rose will tempt all gardeners, but it must be kept in mind that this endearing giant is also a true conqueror, for which it is essential to plan for space! 

A gigantic rose that appeared in 1954, Kiftsgate is a sport of the botanical rose Rosa filipes, originating from the northwest of the Province of Sichuan, in western China, and first described in 1908. The Kiftsgate cultivar is distinguished by more pronounced vigour, longer flower clusters, and wider dog roses. This spreading rose with few thorns can produce shoots up to 10 to 12 metres (33 to 39 feet) long, depending on the growing conditions. It will reach 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) as an adult. It produces red, thread-like, smooth stems with curved thorns that bear juvenile foliage in ochre to copper, then become light green and shiny on the top over the days. In July, when most climbing roses have faded, its incredible flowering appears and lasts for several weeks in cool climates—grouped in 40 cm (16in) long clusters, over 100 pure white flowers, spotted with a bouquet of golden yellow stamens, with a very simple shape, entirely covering the vegetation. They measure about 7 cm (3in) in diameter and are highly fragrant. Each dog rose forms a small red hip, so this rose is overwhelmed at the end of the season with clusters of red pearls, accompanying its leaves that turn orange, then its bare branches in winter. These hips contain a large quantity of single-seeded achenes. The 'filipes Kiftsgate' is very resistant to diseases.

'Kiftsgate' is an enchanting, stunning, and candid rose, undemanding and with robust health. It will thrive in all areas but prefers sunny situations and shows more vigour in fertile soil. Like other ramblers (Paul's Himalayan Musk, Sander's White Rambler), it is incomparable for filling large spaces and giving a slightly abandoned, free and planted look above too-strict flowerbeds. It can also be used as ground cover; its exemplary foliage and abundant flowering allow it to do so. In this use, it will create an exceptional summer decoration. It is an ideal companion for trees that will revive uncertain fences and ugly buildings or sheds, to which it gives excellent charm. Trained on a large arch near the terrace, it will create a romantic and fragrant passage. As its flowering is late, it can be paired with a large-flowered clematis whose summer flowering will take over until autumn.