Spirit of Freedom
Best climbing rose for gardeners seeking fragrant, vertical floral displays.
The 'Spirit of Freedom' is a distinguished English Climbing Rose from David Austin Roses, celebrated for its strong vertical growth habit. This variety showcases large, deeply cupped blooms that transition beautifully from a soft glowing pink to a delicate lilac-pink. It offers a pleasing fragrance with a distinct hint of myrrh. As a repeat-flowering climber, it provides continuous visual interest throughout the season. David Austin Roses supports this high-quality plant with a comprehensive 5-year guarantee, ensuring garden success.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
8
/ ft
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking classic, deeply cupped English rose aesthetics
- Fragrance lovers desiring complex, sweet, and old-fashioned scents
- Landscapers needing flexible plants for climbing or shrub displays
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance plants without structural support needs
- Residents in regions with intense, scorching summer heat
- Beginners intimidated by heavy pruning and thorny plant handling
Performance breakdown
Bloom Aesthetics
Deeply cupped, multi-petaled blooms offer a sophisticated, evolving color palette.
Fragrance Profile
Distinct myrrh notes provide a unique, memorable sensory experience in the garden.
Vertical Versatility
Strong columnar growth makes this an ideal choice for pillars and walls.
Seasonal Consistency
Reliable repeat-flowering ensures continuous visual interest throughout the summer months.
Hardiness Range
Broad zone adaptability allows for successful cultivation across diverse climates.
Growth Vigor
Fast-growing habit quickly establishes height for immediate structural impact.
Key Specs
Mature Height
8 ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Bloom Season
Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Soil Type
Well-Drained
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Plant Form
Columnar
Features
- Large, deeply cupped blooms
- Color shifts from soft pink to lilac-pink
- Pleasing hint of myrrh fragrance
- Strong growing for vertical structure
- Repeat flowering
- Suitable for walls and pillars
- Comes with a 5-year guarantee
What customers say
The 'Spirit of Freedom' rose earns high praise for its unparalleled beauty and fragrance. Gardeners adore the large, deeply cupped lilac pink blooms that age gracefully. Its complex scent, blending myrrh and old rose notes, is a significant satisfaction driver. Reviewers value its vigorous growth, suitable for training as a climber or large shrub, ensuring excellent seasonal interest. While generally beloved, some note the heavy flowers occasionally cause stems to nod, requiring support. Additionally, growers in humid areas may need proactive care against common diseases. Despite minor cultivation considerations and its premium cost, the consensus is that this magnificent specimen offers exceptional garden enhancement.
Know before you buy
This variety is classified as a short climber and typically reaches a mature height of approximately 8 feet. Its strong, vertical growth habit makes it an excellent choice for training up walls, pillars, or fences.
Yes, the Spirit of Freedom is a repeat-flowering climber. You can expect continuous visual interest with new blooms appearing throughout the summer months.
The fragrance is medium-strong and distinct, characterized by a unique hint of myrrh. It provides a sophisticated, spicy-sweet aroma that is a signature of many classic English roses.
To thrive, this rose requires a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10, making it quite versatile for various climates.
The blooms start as a soft, glowing pink and gradually transition to a delicate lilac-pink. With up to 200 petals per bloom, the large, deeply cupped flowers provide a lush, full appearance as they shift in color.
David Austin Roses provides a 5-year guarantee on this plant, which is designed to ensure your garden success. It reflects the brand's confidence in the quality and health of their rose stock.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40