Really vigorous rambler to cover a lot of wall - would I be insane to plant Kiftsgate?

[UnnecessaryFennel]

We have a lot of wall (approx 50m) which we would like to cover as quickly as possible. I have planted a clematis montana near the house which is spreading nicely, but would really love a big old rambling rose too.

Am I asking for trouble with Kiftsgate? There are trees (big hawthorns) that it could ramble into, as well as up and over a brick wall. I do have time for upkeep (and some good thick gloves!)

But I've heard so many negative things as well...surely it can't be as bad as all that??

Yes. It doesn’t do horizontal, it likes to go up.

You can possibly get away with it. It won’t ramble into the hawthorns, it will go straight over the top of them. It likes to be high. I don’t think keeping it in bounds is really practicable.

Rambling Rector is nearly as bad.

I’ve got Bobbie James which is pretty vigorous, but I see David Austin is saying even-that is for growing into a large tree.

If you want to cover 50m of wall, buy several ramblers all with an eventual height comparable to the height of your wall, and plant them about 5m apart.

Kiftsgate is a gorgeous thing in full flower, cascading down from the top of a tree. But I’ve reluctantly decided to get rid of mine, it’s beyond me keeping it from invading the neighbours.