Alba Maxima
Best classic shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant, once-a-year seasonal blooms.
Discover the Alba Maxima, a timeless Old Rose variety from David Austin Roses, celebrated for its enduring beauty and classic charm. This rose graces the garden with full, double blooms that transition from a soft blush to a creamy white. It is distinguished by a very strong, authentic Old Rose fragrance and offers a magnificent, abundant flush of flowers once a year. Alba Maxima is a garden-worthy specimen, embodying David Austin Roses' commitment to quality with a 5-year guarantee and lifetime support.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
6.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants with minimal chemical intervention
- Fragrance lovers wanting a classic, powerful scent in their garden
- Cold-climate growers living in harsh northern regions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners desiring continuous color throughout the entire growing season
- Urban dwellers with limited space or small container gardens
- Pruners who prefer working with thornless or low-maintenance stems
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
Delivers a potent, authentic Old Rose scent that defines the garden.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional adaptability across a vast spectrum of USDA climate zones.
Bloom Longevity
Spectacular visual impact limited by a single annual flowering cycle.
Growth Habit
Upright, structural form makes it a reliable specimen for garden borders.
Soil Versatility
Robust enough to thrive in a wide variety of soil conditions.
Maintenance Support
Industry-leading guarantee and lifetime support ensure long-term gardening success.
Key Specs
Mature Height
6.0 feet
Mature Width
5.0 feet
Bloom Season
Summer
Soil Type
Well-Drained
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
Plant Form
Upright
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 4-11
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Features
- Exceptional longevity in the garden
- Intense, classic Old Rose fragrance
- Abundant single flush of creamy white blooms
- Upright growth habit
- Tolerates various soil types
- Suitable for full or partial sun
- Deciduous foliage
What customers say
The Alba Maxima earns high praise, especially from heritage rose lovers, focusing on its unparalleled fragrance and exceptional hardiness. Reviewers consistently describe its classic old rose scent as powerful and beautiful. Its robust disease resistance and vigorous growth make it a reliable, low maintenance favorite, thriving even in colder zones where other roses struggle. Gardeners value its dependable performance and ethereal display of pale blooms. The primary limitation noted is its once blooming nature, which some modern gardeners find disappointing after the spectacular spring show. Despite this, the Alba Maxima is considered a foundational, high quality garden staple offering tremendous historical value and longevity.
Know before you buy
This variety is a 'once-flowering' rose, meaning it produces one magnificent, abundant flush of blooms during the summer season rather than blooming repeatedly throughout the year.
At maturity, the Alba Maxima reaches approximately 6 feet in height and 5 feet in width. You should ensure you have enough room for this upright, large shrub to spread comfortably.
While it performs best in full sun, the Alba Maxima is versatile and will also tolerate partial sun conditions, making it a flexible choice for various spots in your garden.
This rose is exceptionally hardy and is suitable for USDA zones 4 through 11. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil types makes it a reliable choice for many different regions.
The Alba Maxima is celebrated for its intense, authentic Old Rose fragrance. It is a strong, classic scent that is characteristic of traditional rose varieties.
Like most roses, it requires well-drained soil to prevent root issues. It is generally adaptable to various soil types, provided the drainage is sufficient.
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Ready to buy?
$40