Skip to content
Pre-order Bare Root Roses for delivery in November
  • Blog

Graham Thomas® - Retired

Forever part of our history, these roses have paved the way for many more roses to come.

In the late 1940s, David C H Austin set out on his quest to breed the most beautiful and healthy roses; a vision that continues to remain at the heart of our business today, more than 80 years later. This vision drives our continuing assessment of rose varieties in the current collection to ensure they reach our exacting standards and expectations. Due to climatic changes and the evolution of plant diseases, some historical varieties will no longer reach our increasingly high standards. It is in these instances that we must retire the rose to ensure customers receive only the best roses that will thrive and deliver the most enjoyable customer experience, regardless of gardening expertise. As a result of our review process, Graham Thomas is now retired from our English Rose Collection but will always remain part of our history, paving the way for many more new roses to come, creating the next generation of roses.

If you love Graham Thomas, we have some great alternatives, which we are sure will endear themselves to you, bringing you much happiness and gardening enjoyment for years to come.

Graham Thomas®
(Ausmas) English Climbing Rose Bred By David Austin
A vigorous, upright climber bearing cupped blooms in an unusually rich shade of yellow. There is a light Tea fragrance with hints of violets. It is clothed in attractive, smooth green foliage. David Austin, 1983.
  • Colour: Rich shade of yellow
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Light,Tea
  • Bloom Size: Large
  • Family: English Climbing Rose
  • Size: Medium Climber
  • Height: 12ft (3.75m)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 1983
  • 10ft Wall or Fence
  • 6ft Wall or Fence
  • Doorway
  • Obelisk or Pillar
  • Standard Arch
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • All soil types
Graham Thomas®
Our rose expert’s reccomendation
The Pilgrim®
(Ausmas) English Climbing Rose Bred By David Austin
This variety has particularly beautiful blooms. The buds open to reveal many petalled cups, which gradually form large, flat rosettes. The colour is a very attractive shade of soft yellow, the petals paling prettily towards the edges. The flowers have a medium strength fragrance, which is a perfect balance of Tea and myrrh. It will quickly reach some height and still produce flowers and leaves lower down the plant. Named after the pilgrims in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. David Austin, 1991.
Shop now
The Pilgrim®
Description
A vigorous, upright climber bearing cupped blooms in an unusually rich shade of yellow. There is a light Tea fragrance with hints of violets. It is clothed in attractive, smooth green foliage. David Austin, 1983.
Characteristics
  • Colour: Rich shade of yellow
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Light,Tea
  • Bloom Size: Large
  • Family: English Climbing Rose
  • Size: Medium Climber
  • Height: 12ft (3.75m)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 1983
Location
  • Roses Ideal for 10ft Wall or Fence10ft Wall or Fence
  • Roses Ideal for 6ft Wall or Fence6ft Wall or Fence
  • Roses Ideal for DoorwaysDoorway
  • Roses Ideal for an Obelisk or PillarObelisk or Pillar
  • Roses Ideal for a Standard ArchStandard Arch
Growing conditions
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • Roses Suitable for All Soil TypesAll soil types
Behind the name
Named for the British horticulturist who was one of the most influential gardeners of his time. Graham Thomas was a frequent visitor to our nursery and offered encouragement and advice. He chose this rose himself. He gathered a collection of Old Roses, which formed the basis of the National Collection at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire.
How to plant a climbing rose
Frequently asked questions

Need more help? for individual help or advice, we encourage you to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01902 376300.

Bare root roses are dormant plants and can be planted November and April.

Potted roses are available all year round and can be planted at any time of the year.

Aside from extreme weather, roses can be planted at any time during the year. The extreme weather conditions that we advise against planting in are when the ground is frozen, water-logged or during a drought.

We take every care to breed, grow and deliver the best roses. If a rose fails to grow or arrives damaged, we will replace it free of charge. The 5 year guarantee applies to roses purchased
directly from David Austin. If you would like to request a replacement or refund of a rose within the 5 year guarantee period, please complete our Returns form.

Call us on 01902 376300

Email us help@davidaustinroses.co.uk

  • Monday–Friday
    8:30am — 6:00pm
  • Saturday
    8:30am — 4:30pm
  • Sunday
    Closed
Are you in the right place?