Deadheading and minor pruning back to the first five fingered leaf, will encourage repeat flowering. Ramblers require a lot of feeding for abundant flowering so fertilise your rambling rose regularly. Use granulated cow manure around the base in the winter, use a mixed organic fertiliser in the spring and use special rose feed in July (see the pack for correct dosage). Bakker advises protecting the vulnerable grafting point over the winter by earthing up (pile the soil up around the base of the plant).

Pruning rambling roses

A rambling rose needs prunning annually. Leave several long twigs and tie them in - preferably horizontally. Remove all side growth in February back to 3 buds. Older shrubs can have their old wood cut right back now and then, but only in the summer. This will rejuvenate the plant. Pull any suckers away from the roots. The roses we supply have already been pruned so will not require any pruning before they are 18 months old.

Bakker rambling roses are among the very best and prettiest of ramblers, thanks to their very lovely flowers. Most of them, lightly scented, appear right through to the first frosts. The (usually) dark green and shiny foliage looks so healthy. Your garden will look just fabulous with a rose arch covered with your new rambling rose.
Roses are of course classified under Rosaceae.