James Galway

This climber is ideal for an arch — a purpose for which I have employed it. It’s first spring flush makes for a great example of how much the form of roses was compromised by the 20th Century’s obsession with the long-budded hybrid tea. These tend to be densely packed blooms with a nice range of color.

Pros:

  • Tough and vigorous
  • New blooms have a fresh and pleasing scent, like fabric softener
  • Stunning form, with hundreds of petals per bloom
  • Really is almost thornless, making it easy to train

Cons:

  • After two days the great scent ferments, evolving to an astonishingly accurate (and somewhat unfortunate) approximation of cheap, boxed wine
  • Hates heat, hates all-day sun. Once temperatures stay above 80, it will need afternoon shade to keep blooming.
My Source: David Austin Roses
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