Rose ~ David Austin ‘St. Swithun’
Best climbing rose for gardeners seeking fragrant, soft pink vertical blooms.
The David Austin 'St. Swithun' Rose is a vigorous climber, reaching up to 10ft, and produces large, saucer-shaped blooms. Each flower is densely packed with over 130 frilly petals in a soft pink hue that gently fades towards the edges. This repeat-flowering rose is adorned with plentiful greyish-green foliage and emits a medium-strong myrrh fragrance. It's ideal for climbing on walls, fences, arches, or pillars, bringing classic beauty to any garden. The St. Swithun David Austin Rose is a vigorous climber, producing large, saucer-shaped blooms filled with over a hundred frilly petals. Its soft pink flowers deepen to blush at the edges, beautifully contrasting with abundant greyish-green foliage. This rose variety boasts a medium-strong myrrh fragrance, making it a delightful addition to any garden. It is named to honor the 900th anniversary of Winchester Cathedral's consecration. This variety is suitable for pre-order and will be available for pickup in early to mid-March, with plants breaking dormancy.
$82.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1597
/ 2609
#1597 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+108%
Above average
Color
Soft pink
/ Soft pink
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a sensory-rich outdoor sanctuary
- Romantics designing a classic, soft-hued floral landscape
- Homeowners wanting consistent color throughout the growing season
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant plants
- Casual hobbyists preferring a hands-off gardening experience
- Families with small children or pets in high-traffic areas
Performance breakdown
Bloom density
Over 130 petals per bloom create a remarkably lush, full appearance.
Fragrance profile
Distinctive myrrh scent offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional rose perfumes.
Climbing vigor
Robust growth habit makes it an ideal candidate for vertical structures.
Repeat flowering
Consistent bloom cycles ensure color throughout the primary growing season.
Foliage quality
Abundant greyish-green leaves provide a refined backdrop for soft pink petals.
Garden versatility
Adaptable for walls, pillars, and arches in diverse landscape designs.
Key Specs
Color
Soft pink
Flowering
Repeat Flowering
Fragrance
Medium-strong, Myrrh
Bloom Size
Large
Family
English Climbing Rose
Size
Short Climber 10ft
Breeder
David Austin
Year of Introduction
1993
Features
- Vigorous climber suitable for walls, fences, arches, and pillars.
- Large, abundant blooms with over 130 frilly petals.
- Soft pink color that deepens towards the center.
- Repeat flowering for extended bloom periods.
- Medium-strong myrrh fragrance.
- Plentiful greyish-green foliage.
- Introduced in 1993 by David Austin.
What customers say
Customers consistently express deep admiration for the 'St. Swithun' rose, frequently highlighting its exceptional beauty and captivating fragrance. Many reviews praise its robust health and vigorous growth, which reliably produces an abundance of perfectly formed blooms. Gardeners appreciate its consistent performance and the elegant design of its flowers, making it a cherished and visually stunning addition to diverse garden settings. The overall sentiment reflects high satisfaction with its premium quality and aesthetic appeal.
Know before you buy
As a vigorous climber, this variety typically reaches a height of approximately 10 feet. It is well-suited for training against walls, fences, or over garden structures like arches and pillars.
Yes, 'St. Swithun' is a repeat-flowering variety. You can expect multiple flushes of blooms from the initial flowering period through the end of the season.
This variety offers a medium-strong myrrh fragrance. It is a distinct, classic scent often associated with specific English Rose varieties.
The flowers are large and saucer-shaped, featuring a soft pink hue that deepens toward the center. Each bloom is exceptionally full, containing over 130 frilly petals that create a dense, layered look.
Yes, the plant is known for its plentiful, attractive greyish-green foliage. This provides a nice textural contrast to the soft pink flowers and keeps the plant looking lush throughout the growing season.
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$82