Climbing Rose Kiss Me Kate - 20cm Pot

Climbing Rose Kiss Me Kate (Kornagelio) is a vigorous climbing rose admired for its large, fully petalled flowers, rich green foliage and distinctive fruity fragrance. Combining classic rose blooms with the renowned breeding qualities of Kordes roses, it makes a beautiful addition to garden arches, trellises and other climbing structures.

The generous, fully petalled blooms measure approximately 9cm across and are produced on stems of a good length for cutting. Set against dark green foliage, the flowers create an attractive display in the garden and can also be enjoyed indoors as fresh-cut roses.

One of the standout features of 'Kiss Me Kate' is its fresh lemon and green apple fragrance. The scent opens with notes of freshly grated lemon peel, followed by crisp green apple and a subtle hint of aromatic myrrh.

The fragrance is particularly noticeable in the morning and evening, making this rose a lovely choice for planting near outdoor seating areas, garden paths or entrances where its scent can be appreciated.

A vigorous climber with the disease-resistance qualities associated with Kordes breeding, ‘Kornagelio’ is well suited to training over a sturdy garden support.

Mature size: approximately 2 metres wide, with height depending on growing conditions and training. Mature height has not been specified.

Care & Growing Tips
Position: Plant in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and flowering.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Avoid poorly drained positions.

Watering: Water deeply and regularly during establishment. Once established, water during extended dry periods, particularly through Melbourne's hot summers. Water at soil level where possible.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and reduce weeds. Keep mulch clear of the main stems.

Fertilising: Feed established roses with a quality rose fertiliser from late August in Melbourne, followed by additional feeding during the growing season according to product directions.

Support: Provide a sturdy trellis, archway, fence or climbing frame. Tie new stems loosely to the support and train longer canes horizontally or at an angle to encourage flowering along their length.

Pruning: Prune during winter, generally in July for Melbourne gardens. Remove dead, damaged and crossing stems, then shorten flowering side shoots while retaining healthy main climbing canes.

Flowering Care: Remove spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage further blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.

Cut Flowers: Harvest blooms in the cooler morning or evening when the fragrance is strongest. Place freshly cut stems into clean water promptly.

Ideal for
— Garden arches and arbours
— Trellises and climbing frames
— Fences and garden structures
— Fragrant rose gardens
— Cottage-style gardens
— Growing near outdoor seating areas
— Garden entrances and pathways
— Cutting for fresh floral arrangements
— Adding vertical interest to garden beds
— Gardens with classic rose planting
— Combining with perennial flowering plants
— Gardeners looking for a fragrant climbing rose