Rambler rose

Polyantha roses were the predecessors of modern floribundas, and generally share their characteristic of producing small semi-double blooms in large clusters more or less continuously all season. 'Goldfinch' is a polyantha rambler, introduced in 1907 and still popular as a restrained variety for smaller gardens. It flowers only once, in mid-summer, but so lavishly that the slender, almost thornless stems are covered in golden blooms, fading to cream. It tolerates poor soils and cool shade, where its colour remains true for longer. As a rambler rose, it is best pruned in summer, just after flowering finishes. In the first two years after planting, remove only dead or diseased wood. From the third year onwards, cut back sideshoots to three or four buds. To encourage new, vigorous growth, cut back a quarter of the flowered stems back to the base.