Rosa x filipes 'Treasure Trove' - Rambling Rose

The 'Treasure Trove' Rose is a superb descendant of the filipes rambling rose 'Kiftsgate'. Exceptional in every way, this powerful English liana produces branches that disappear into the heart of summer under opulent bouquets of strongly scented small flowers. Their colour, a tender apricot fading into white-cream tinged with pink and lavender, is an absolute novelty for this type of rose. Once the flowering is finished, it is adorned with clusters of red hips highly decorative, which persist for a long time on its branches. With its fabulous qualities, this rose will tempt all gardeners, but it must be specified that it takes time to offer its first flowering, the time it needs to sink its giant foot into the ground. To accommodate such a force of nature, it is essential to provide enough space!  

Gigantic rose bred in 1977 by Treasure and named by Graham Thomas, 'Treasure Trove' was introduced to the horticultural market in 1979. Its parent, 'Kiftsgate', is a sport of the botanical rose Rosa filipes, native to the northwest of the Sichuan Province in western China. According to recent DNA expertise, its second parent could be a chinensis rose, perhaps the Rosa x odorata, probably 'Old Blush'.

'Treasure Trove' possesses the same vigour as 'Kiftsgate'. This sarmentous rose with few thorns can produce shoots up to 10 metres (33 feet) long, depending on the growing conditions. It will reach 3 to 6 m (10 to 20ft) when mature. It produces red, thread-like young shoots with curved prickle-like thorns. The coppery juvenile foliage later becomes a medium green with a satin-like appearance on the upper side. When most rambling roses have faded in July, its incredible flowering appears. It lasts for several weeks in cool climates—grouped in corymbs, over 20 tiny salmon-coloured buds open into semi-double rosettes 4 cm (2in) wide. Initially cream-orange, they gradually turn salmon-pink, then fade to almost white mauve. A bouquet of golden yellow stamens accentuates each one. Small red fruits follow this, and the rose is covered in these clusters of pearls, which are still very decorative. The filipes rose 'Treasure Trove' is highly resistant to rose diseases and can withstand summer drought once well established; its flowering will be earlier in hot climates.

'Treasure Trove', in the same vein as Paul's Himalayan Musk, but more colourful and later blooming, is an adorable giant: undemanding, fragrant and highly healthy. It will thrive in cooler and hot climates, but it prefers sunny locations and will probably flower at a younger age if the soil it is planted in is not too fertile. Like other rambling roses (Mermaid, Sander's White Rambler, Seagull), it is incomparable for filling large spaces and giving a slightly abandoned, free and planted look above overly strict flowerbeds. It can also be used as ground cover; its exemplary foliage and prolific flowering allow it. In this use, it will create an exceptional summer decoration. It is an ideal companion for large trees that it will revive, a dying evergreen hedge, and unsightly buildings or sheds to which it adds excellent charm. Trained on a large arch near the terrace, it will create a romantic and fragrant passage. Since its flowering is late, it can be paired with a vigorous clematis of the montana or terniflora type, with staggered flowering times.