About
This vigorous large rambler to 6m, with broad, hooked thorns and glossy foliage, purplish-green when young, greyish green when older. Large clusters of banana-scented, single white flowers 5cm in width, with prominent yellow stamens flower in one flush in summer, followed by small orange-red hips in autumn.
About the genus
Rosa can be deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs or scrambling climbers, with usually thorny stems bearing compound pinnate leaves and solitary or clustered flowers. Flowers may be followed by showy red or purple fruits in some varieties.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Roses
HabitClimbing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun with fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. For best flowering apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring. See rose cultivation. Tolerant of poor soil, shade and a north aspect. Good for climbing into trees
PruningPruning group 18 (rambler roses) - see our video How to prune rambling roses. Don't prune after flowering if fruits (hips) are required
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or by chip budding in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, rose leafhopper, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, large rose sawfly and rose leaf-rolling sawfly. Deer and rabbits can cause damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, replant disease, rose dieback, and rose powdery mildew. May also be susceptible to disorders rose blindness and flower balling and sometimes honey fungus