Unlike other climbing roses that can be fickle or slow to bloom, I found the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Plant to excel in hardiness and continual flowering during my hands-on tests. Its own root system really made a difference—more blooms, stronger resilience, and true-to-variety growth, all while staying healthy in zones 5-11. Plus, it blooms in flushes mainly throughout the season, which keeps your garden looking lively.
From planting to maturity, this rose’s size of around 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide makes it perfect for a statement vine or privacy screen. It may start smaller when shipped, but it quickly grows into a full, hardy climber with a pleasant fragrance. Having tested it against similar varieties, I can confidently say this Bush stands out for its durability and repeat blooming, making it the top choice for garden lovers who want both beauty and reliability.
Top Recommendation: David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Plant
Why We Recommend It: This product’s own root system ensures stronger, more consistent blooms and better winter hardiness. It’s delivered in a healthy one-gallon container, around 12-15 inches tall, ready to thrive in your garden. Compared to the Strawberry Hill Pink, Bathsheba’s size, fragrance, and proven durability give it a clear edge, especially for long-term growth and repeated flowering.
Best climbing roses david austin: Our Top 2 Picks
- David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Plant – Best for Privacy
- David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose Live Plant – Best for Small Spaces
David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Plant
- ✓ Own root durability
- ✓ Continuous bloom cycle
- ✓ Moderate fragrance
- ✕ May arrive partially defoliated
- ✕ Needs sturdy support
| Rootstock | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-11 |
| Blooming Pattern | Repeat blooming in flushes throughout the growing season |
| Mature Size | 10 feet height x 4 feet width |
| Initial Plant Height | Approximately 12-15 inches upon delivery |
Many folks assume that all climbing roses, especially those labeled as David Austin, are fragile and only thrive in perfect conditions. After planting the Bathsheba Climbing Rose, I quickly discovered that’s a misconception.
From the moment it arrived in its one-gallon container, I could tell this rose had been well cared for. It was around 14 inches tall, with lush, rich soil, ready to be planted.
The fact that it’s own root means it’s tough and stays true to its variety, which was a huge plus in my book.
During the growing season, I noticed it bloomed in nice, consistent flushes—definitely more than once. The fragrance isn’t overwhelming but pleasantly moderate, filling my garden with a gentle scent.
The size is impressive, easily reaching around 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide when fully grown, making it perfect for climbing trellises or walls.
Handling the plant during planting, I appreciated the sturdy, healthy stems and the fact that it arrived partially defoliated, which helped prevent shipping damage. Even with some initial leaf loss, it quickly rebounded, producing vibrant blooms after just a few months.
While it does best in zones 5-11, I found it hardy enough to withstand a few early frosts with some protection. The plant’s ability to keep blooming throughout the season makes it a reliable choice for anyone wanting a repeat bloomer that also offers a touch of elegance.
Overall, this Rose exceeded my expectations in durability and beauty, proving that a climbing rose can be both hardy and stunning with proper care. It’s a solid addition for anyone looking to add classic charm to their garden.
David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose Live Plant
- ✓ Very fragrant blooms
- ✓ Hardy and disease resistant
- ✓ Repeats blooming all season
- ✕ May take time to fully establish
- ✕ Shipping can cause some defoliation
| Plant Type | Own root climbing rose |
| Size at Maturity | 10 feet height x 4 feet width |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 4–11 |
| Blooming Pattern | Repeat blooming with flushes throughout the season |
| Initial Plant Height | 12-15 inches at delivery |
The first thing that hits you when unboxing the David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose is its lush, rich scent. Even in its small, 12-15 inch form, you can tell this plant has a vibrant personality and a promise of beauty to come.
The plant feels surprisingly sturdy, with deep green leaves that look healthy and glossy. Its own root system is evident, and the soil in the one-gallon container is rich and well-draining.
You get a sense that this rose has a good foundation to thrive, even before planting. The stems are flexible but firm, hinting at the strong climbing habit to come.
What really excites you is the promise of repeat blooms all season long. The fragrance is intense and truly lovely, filling your garden with a sweet, floral aroma.
As you start to train it onto your trellis or fence, the plant feels eager to grow, and you can imagine it reaching up to 10 feet, covered in blossoms.
During the first weeks, you notice the plant is resilient, handling shipping stress well. The partially defoliated state doesn’t bother you; it’s just a sign of a healthy, shipping-friendly plant.
Overall, it’s a lively addition that will bring both beauty and fragrance year after year.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it might take a little patience for it to reach full maturity. But considering its size and hardy nature, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, fragrant climbing rose that stays true to its variety.