In zone 6a my Kiss Me Kate has been resistant to disease, but the "Japanese Beetles" love this rose. I have used Heirloom fish fertilizer and Kate has grown tall and strong. Her fragrance is lovely. I have two issues with her. One is that she only blooms twice per summer, even when using fish fertilizer as frequently as recommended. And secondly, she grows much taller than stated and only blooms on the end of her canes. She does grow very vertically and has not needed a trellis to stand tall. So be sure to place her at the back of your garden bed and watch for beetles.

I planted Kiss me Kate in July 2023 and she is vigorously growing up an obelisk. She has several very strong canes, she is solid!! Spider mites love her but she hasn't let anything stop her. Not a single bloom yet, I hear that people in my climate (Texas- South Texas, 9b, HOT summers, usually mild winters) don't have the greatest luck with her, they say that she is extremely stingy with blooms, even after waiting years for it to mature. I hear a lot of experiences of this one getting the dreaded shovel prune. lol...But I am determined to give her a shot. I think she will surprise me! She's been a hardy little trooper so I have confidence that she will be worth the wait!

Kiss Me Kate has been a fast grower, but no blooms this first season. It was planted in July 2023, kept it watered regularly and fed it twice with the liquid fish fertilizer. It has 3-4 strong stems that have grown to 3-1/2’ against the trellis on the south facing wall, next to my front porch. I live in Northern Illinois zone 5B. I’ve put mint compost around the base to overwinter. I can’t wait to see some blooms next summer!

Amazing blooms and easy to care for. Never disappointed with this rose. I wish I could add a few pictures.

My second year with this rose. She is my favorite. I live in zone 5b. I have her planted on an East facing wall. She gets morning Sun and afternoon shade. Beautiful pale pink blooms.