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Tess of the d’Urbervilles - 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, Tess of the d’Urbervilles 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 Tess of the d’Urbervilles, 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.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles
(Ausmove) English Climbing Rose Bred By David Austin
A striking climber bearing large, deeply cupped, bright crimson-red blooms, with a pleasing Old Rose fragrance. It is a relatively compact climber clothed in large, dark green leaves. David?Austin, 1998.
  • Colour: Crimson-red
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Medium,Old Rose
  • Bloom Size: Large
  • Family: English Climbing Rose
  • Size: Short Climber
  • Height: 8ft (2.5m)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 1998
  • 6ft Wall or Fence
  • Doorway
  • Obelisk or Pillar
  • Standard Arch
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • All soil types
Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Our rose expert’s reccomendation
Gertrude Jekyll®
(Ausmove) English Climbing Rose Bred By David Austin
A short climber, it is always one of the first English Roses to start flowering, its perfect scrolled buds open to large, rosette-shaped flowers of bright glowing pink. The strong, perfectly balanced Old Rose scent is often described as being the quintessential Old Rose fragrance. Named for the famous garden designer and author. David Austin, 1986.
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Gertrude Jekyll®
Description
A striking climber bearing large, deeply cupped, bright crimson-red blooms, with a pleasing Old Rose fragrance. It is a relatively compact climber clothed in large, dark green leaves. David?Austin, 1998.
Characteristics
  • Colour: Crimson-red
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Medium,Old Rose
  • Bloom Size: Large
  • Family: English Climbing Rose
  • Size: Short Climber
  • Height: 8ft (2.5m)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 1998
Location
  • 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 after the heroine of Thomas Hardy’s novel.
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
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