Kew Rambler Rose Rosa 'Kew Rambler' (Ra)
ABOUT
Rosa 'Kew Rambler' is a climbing rose with a graceful, sprawling habit that enables it to cover structures such as trellises and pergolas. Its stems are adorned with small thorns, known colloquially as prickles, that aid in its ability to climb. The foliage is a rich green, consisting of pinnate leaves with oval-shaped leaflets that have a slightly glossy appearance. The blooming period is a spectacular display, with the rose producing clusters of blooms that create a cascade of color. The flowers are typically pale pink with a distinctive white center and a lighter reverse. Each bloom is semi-double, meaning it has more petals than a single flower, but not as volumetrically full as a double bloom. These flowers are medium-sized and have a loose and informal shape, with a soft, romantic look enhanced by numerous yellow stamens at the center. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that the flowers exude a light and pleasant fragrance, which is not overpowering but can be noticed when walking past or sitting near the plant. After the flowering season, the plant may produce small, round, and reddish-orange fruits known as hips, which can add interest to the plant in the late summer and into the fall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Kew Rambler Rose
Common names
Rosa 'Kew Rambler'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Rose generally has a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of roses, like petals, can sometimes cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large amounts, but Roses are not considered poisonous to humans. Accidental ingestion of rose parts typically does not lead to serious consequences.
To pets
Rose plants are not toxic to pets. They are generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals. If a pet ingests rose petals, leaves, or stems, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but roses are not known to cause severe poisoning or toxic effects in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a burst of color with its showy pink flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden setting.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Attracts a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Shade and Shelter: Can provide shade and shelter for smaller plants and garden wildlife when grown over structures.
- Privacy Screening: When trained on fences or trellises, it can serve as a natural privacy screen.
- Scented Garden: The blossoms emit a pleasant fragrance, contributing to a sensory garden experience.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with beauty and love, which can add a symbolic meaning to gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosa 'Kew Rambler' petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, imparting a range of colors from soft pinks to rich yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The strong, flexible canes of this rose may be woven into baskets or other forms of decorative handicrafts, utilizing the plant's natural beauty in a functional way.
- Dried petals of the Rosa 'Kew Rambler' can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, providing a subtle, natural fragrance to living spaces.
- The rose hips produced by the plant can be used to make herbal teas, offering a vitamin C-rich beverage when steeped in hot water.
- Cooked rose hips from the 'Kew Rambler' may also be turned into jams, jellies, or syrups, which can be used to flavor various dishes and desserts.
- Essential oils can be extracted from the petals for use in aromatherapy, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
- Petals from the 'Kew Rambler' rose can serve as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, biodegrading over time and causing less harm to the environment than plastic alternatives.
- The fibrous material from the plant's canes can be processed and used in the manufacturing of certain types of paper, contributing to a sustainable source of raw material.
- Gardeners may use the thorny canes as a natural barrier to deter animals and unauthorized access to specific areas of their gardens or properties.
- The flowers can be candied and used as an elegant, edible decoration on cakes and pastries, offering a touch of floral sweetness.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe rose is often associated with attracting love and creating a romantic atmosphere in Feng Shui. To use the rose according to Feng Shui, place it in the southwest area of your garden, which is connected to love and marriage. Its vibrant blooms can enhance the chi associated with relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Similar to other roses, the 'Kew Rambler' rose is often associated with love, conveying deep affection and emotion.
- Beauty: The striking blooms of the 'Kew Rambler' symbolize beauty and perfection, reflecting the aesthetic pleasure these flowers provide.
- Romance: This plant embodies romantic feelings, making it a popular choice for romantic gestures and occasions like anniversaries and Valentine's Day.
- Mystery: The rambling growth habit of this rose can symbolize mystery, suggesting an unfolding story or hidden depths.
- Inspiration: The 'Kew Rambler' rose, with its abundant flowers, can signify inspiration and the muse, often used in creative contexts.
- Passion: The rose's vibrant color and lush petals are symbolic of strong emotions and passionate desire.
- Balance: As a climbing rose, it suggests a balance between reaching for new heights and staying grounded, akin to personal growth within one's foundation.
WaterThe Kew Rambler rose should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root development. A good rule of thumb is to apply water to the base of the plant until the soil is moist to a depth of 16-18 inches, which typically means using about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on soil type and weather conditions. During the growing season, watering should be done once a week, but may need to increase during prolonged dry spells. It is important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. During winter, watering can be reduced, particularly if there is rainfall.
LightThe Kew Rambler rose thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sun per day to perform its best. The ideal spot for planting is one where it receives unfiltered sunlight through the morning and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, although it can tolerate full day sun as well.
TemperatureKew Rambler roses flourish in temperate climates and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They perform best in conditions where the average temperature during the growing season is between 65°F and 75°F. These roses can survive minimum temperatures in the winter down to about -10°F and maximum summer temperatures up to about 90°F.
PruningPruning the Kew Rambler rose is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crowded branches, and cut back about one-third of the older canes to promote healthier blooms. Pruning should be done annually, and the best time is when the plant is dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKew Rambler roses thrive in well-drained soil with rich organic matter. A mix of two-thirds loam and one-third well-rotted manure or compost is ideal. The preferred soil pH for this climbing rose should be between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingKew Rambler roses, being vigorous climbers, are not typically repotted as they are usually planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be necessary every 2 to 3 years during the dormant period to refresh the soil and provide space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingKew Rambler roses prefer outdoor conditions where the natural atmosphere provides adequate humidity. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but they benefit from good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing indoors, ensure ample light, infrequent watering, and pruning.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, use rich soil, water regularly, and provide support.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRosa 'Kew Rambler', commonly known as Kew Rambler Rose, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or from a potted nursery specimen. It proceeds to a germination stage when environmental conditions permit, often in early spring, developing a vigorous root system and sprouting stems and leaves. As it matures, the rose bush enters the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth, producing long, arching canes covered with foliage. It then reaches the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, where it produces clusters of pink to pale red blooms that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After pollination, it may produce hips (fruits) which contain seeds, enabling the spread and propagation of new plants, although many modern hybrids are often propagated asexually. The rose then enters a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy for the next growing cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Rosa 'Kew Rambler', commonly known as the Kew Rambler rose, is usually propagated by softwood cuttings taken during late spring or early summer when new growth is still soft and flexible. The most popular method of propagation is to cut healthy, non-flowering stems of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) in length. Each cutting should have several leaves but the lower one-third of the leaves should be removed. Next, the base of the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of moistened perlite and peat or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The pot should be placed in a warm location with indirect light, making sure the medium stays moist but not wet. A plastic cover can be used to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
