American Pillar, a vigorous rambler

In our rural corner of Franklin very old roses can still be found scrambling along roadside banks and country fence lines.

These roses, which brighten late spring and summer roadsides, could be considered weeds. They are not native plants and surviving neglected as many do in harsh environments, these escapees from old gardens might be considered a potential biosecurity nightmare.

However, most are, in fact, hybrids with illustrious pedigrees. They spread by runners only and can, therefore, be controlled with judicious pruning. Because most are thorny, sturdy leather gloves and sharp secateurs are recommended for the job.

Roadside spraying regimes, using strong herbicides, have reduced the incidence of these showy blooms in many areas. Unfortunately, spraying tends to be indiscriminate at times and although aimed at targeting invasive grasses and plants such as kikuyu, gorse, flannelweed and blackberry, inoffensive native plants and these lovely roses are often caught in the cross fire.

But, mirroring the hardy early settlers who introduced them, many still manage to survive, bringing colour and beauty to our country roads and gardens.

What’s more, all are easily grown from rooted slips or cuttings, best taken in the autumn. They are no longer found in garden centres so saving these old beauties is well worthwhile. These roses thrive in the North Island and among those seen locally one is likely to find:

Alberic  Barbier – one of the best; a  creamy-white, free-flowering rambler with gossy green foliage, which has a long flowering season. It was bred in Orleans, France by Barbier & Co in 1900.

American Pillar – a cheerful and vigorous rambler featuring single, bright cerise flowers with a white eye. It was bred in the USA in 1902 by Walter Van Fleet, of Maryland.

Anais Segales – produces mauve/pink blooms early in November and is a shrubby rose that will reward tender, loving care by thriving and flowering freely in garden borders. This very hardy French Gallica rose dates back to 1837 and survives in many of the earliest settled areas of both the North and South Islands.

Dorothy Perkins – probably the most vigorous and commonly found rambler, its flower is usually a cheerful, bright pink. It also comes in white and crimson forms. Free-flowering and easy to propagate, it is a great addition to any road frontage or fence if you are prepared to commit to annual pruning. Bred in the USA by Jackson and Perkins Nursery in 1902, it is named for the daughter of Charles Perkins.