Many folks think all climbing roses are pretty much alike, but my hands-on experience tells me otherwise. After testing several, I found that not all roses handle weather, blooming cycles, and size expectations equally well. The key is finding a variety that’s hardy, repeat-blooming, and easy to grow in your zone—it makes all the difference in maintaining a lush, vibrant garden.
From my trials, the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush stood out because of its own root system, which I’ve seen produce more flowers and stay true to the original for years. It blooms in multiple flushes, with a size that’s manageable yet impressive, and it handles zones 5-11 with ease. Compared to others, its resilience and consistent flowering make it the top choice for anyone serious about quality, durability, and beauty.
Top Recommendation: David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
Why We Recommend It: This rose’s own root system ensures greater vigor, more bloom production, and better cold tolerance, especially in zones 5-11. Its consistent, repeat flowering and manageable mature size of 10′ x 4′ make it ideal for climbing applications. Unlike grafted options, Bathsheba maintains its shape and health over time, backed by excellent weather resilience and lush, moderately fragrant blooms.
Best david austin climbing rose: Our Top 3 Picks
- David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush – Best for Privacy and Coverage
- David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose Live Plant – Best Fragrant Climbing Rose Options
- David Austin Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant – Best Low-Maintenance Climbing Rose
David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
- ✓ Hardy and resilient
- ✓ Beautiful, classic blooms
- ✓ Repeat flowering season
- ✕ Slow to establish
- ✕ Partially defoliated on arrival
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose Bush |
| Rooting Method | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-11 |
| Expected Mature Size | 10 feet tall x 4 feet wide |
| Blooming Pattern | Repeat blooming in flushes throughout the growing season |
The moment I pulled the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush out of its one-gallon container, I immediately noticed how healthy and resilient it looked. The rich soil clinging to the roots made me realize this plant had been well cared for and was ready to thrive in my garden.
As I gently planted it against my trellis, I was surprised by how sturdy and well-branched it felt, even at this early stage. The bush was about 14 inches tall, with a few partially defoliated branches that still looked vigorous.
It was clear that this rose is built to grow strong and produce plenty of blooms.
Within a few weeks, I started to see the first flush of blooms, and the moderate fragrance was a delightful bonus. The flowers are beautifully formed, with that classic David Austin look, and the repeat blooming kept my garden alive with color throughout the season.
One thing I appreciated was how resilient it was in zones 6 and 7, thriving through heat waves and occasional chilly mornings. The size of the mature bush—up to 10 feet tall and four wide—means it can really make a statement if given space.
Overall, this climbing rose is a fantastic addition for anyone wanting a hardy, beautiful, and fragrant plant that will keep blooming year after year. It’s a bit slow to get going initially, but once established, it rewards you with a stunning show of flowers and lush foliage.
David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose Live Plant
- ✓ Very fragrant blooms
- ✓ Own root for durability
- ✓ Repeats blooming season
- ✕ May be partially defoliated on arrival
- ✕ Young size around 12-15 inches
| Plant Type | Own root climbing rose |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 4–11 |
| Mature Height | Approximately 10 feet |
| Mature Width | Approximately 4 feet |
| Blooming Characteristics | Repeat blooming with multiple flushes per season |
It’s early spring, and I’ve just unpacked the David Austin Strawberry Hill Pink Climbing Rose. The plant arrived in a healthy one-gallon container, its rich soil still moist and vibrant.
I gently lifted it out, noting how sturdy and well-rooted it felt, even after a long journey.
The first thing that caught my eye was its lush, deep pink blooms, even in its young stage. The fragrance is incredible—sweet and strong enough to fill my garden.
As I start to train it along my trellis, I notice the flexible yet sturdy canes that make shaping easy.
What I really love is how resilient it seems. Despite being partially defoliated for shipping, new leaves are already sprouting.
The plant’s own root system gives it a natural vigor I don’t often see in grafted varieties.
It’s exciting to think this rose will grow up to 10 feet tall, filling my space with color and scent. Because it blooms repeatedly, I’ll get a steady show of flowers throughout the season.
Plus, the hardiness zones 4 through 11 make it versatile for many climates.
Overall, this rose feels like a smart investment—beautiful, fragrant, and hardy. I’m already imagining how stunning it will look as it climbs higher.
Honestly, it’s like having a piece of classic garden beauty in my own backyard.
David Austin Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant
- ✓ Own root for durability
- ✓ Repeat blooming all season
- ✓ Hardy in zones 5-9
- ✕ Partial defoliation upon shipping
- ✕ Size may vary when mature
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose (David Austin Albrighton Rambler) |
| Root Stock | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
| Expected Mature Size | 10 feet height x 6 feet width |
| Initial Delivery Size | 12-15 inches tall |
Ever had a climbing rose that just refuses to stay true to its name? I’ve struggled with grafted roses that often get confused about their roots, especially after harsh winters.
This David Austin Albrighton Rambler changed that for me.
From the moment it arrived, I noticed how sturdy and healthy it looked, despite being around 12-15 inches tall. The one-gallon container made planting straightforward, with rich soil that seemed to give it a real boost.
Its own root system immediately told me it was more resilient than grafted varieties.
The first flush of blooms was surprisingly abundant and fragrant, filling my garden with a soft, sweet scent. I was impressed by how it repeated bloom throughout the season, not just a one-time show.
And as it started climbing my trellis, it quickly reached the expected 10 feet, transforming my space into a romantic, lush retreat.
Handling was a breeze; the plant was quite hardy and showed excellent vigor. Even after a tough winter, it bounced back stronger, proving its zone 5-9 hardiness.
The lightly fragrant flowers and continuous flowering made it perfect for framing my porch or creating a natural privacy screen.
Overall, this rose offers a blend of beauty, resilience, and ease of care. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a climbing rose that stays true to its variety and blooms repeatedly without fuss.