Hybrid

David Austin English Rose - Graham Thomas

Rosa 'Ausmas'

Named after the renowned rosarian, this exceptional English rose combines the best of old and new with cupped, fully double blooms in rich golden yellow. The strong tea rose fragrance and repeat flowering habit make this climbing rose a standout performer that brings cottage garden charm to any landscape.

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

5–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-8 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

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Aug

Sep

Oct

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Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for David Austin English Rose - Graham Thomas in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 rose →

Zone Map

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David Austin English Rose - Graham Thomas · Zones 5–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing6-8 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, drought tolerant when established

SeasonPerennial, repeat blooming from late spring to frost

FlavorN/A - Ornamental use only

ColorRich golden yellow

Size3-4 inch blooms in clusters

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	—
Zone 10	—	March – April	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Grafting.

Harvesting

The accessory fruit is called a hip and forms after the flowers finish blooming. The hip will appear under the sepals of where the flower was after the flower dies. They will turn from green to red. They are filled with many achenes surrounded by irritating hairs.

Color: Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh cut Graham Thomas roses last 7-10 days when properly conditioned. Immediately after cutting, recut stems under running water and place in lukewarm water mixed with flower food. Store in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Change water every 2-3 days and trim stems by half an inch each time.

For preservation, harvest fully open blooms in late morning. Air-dry by bundling 5-6 stems with rubber bands and hanging upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. The golden petals retain much of their color when dried. Alternatively, preserve petals in silica gel for 3-5 days to maintain shape and vibrant color for potpourri or crafts. The petals can also be used fresh in rose water or frozen in ice cubes for special occasions, though this variety is grown primarily for ornamental rather than culinary purposes.

History & Origin

Origin: Temp. & Subtropical Northern Hemisphere (such as Europe & Asia)

Advantages

+Disease resistance: #showy flowers#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#rose#tsc#cottage garden#security plant#high maintenance#English garden#cutting garden#border back#tsc-s#bee friendly#container plant#patio#hedge#prickles#shrub rose#cpp#walkway#HS111#HS303#hortcontest#nesting site#fpp
+Wildlife value: Wildlife is attracted to the edible hips. Single-flowered species and cultivars are attractive to bees. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
+Edible: The fruit (called the hip) is edible.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels aphids, moths, and other pests while attracting beneficial pollinators

Catmint

Deters aphids, ants, and rodents while complementing rose blooms aesthetically

Alliums

Repel aphids, thrips, and other rose pests through strong sulfur compounds

Marigolds

Deter nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Clematis

Provides vertical interest and shares similar soil and sun requirements

Rosemary

Repels various pests and thrives in similar Mediterranean-style conditions

Geraniums

Repel Japanese beetles and other rose pests while providing color contrast

Foxglove

Improves growth and disease resistance of nearby roses through root interactions

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Tree

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits rose growth and can cause yellowing and death

Large Trees

Compete for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade that reduces flowering

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may harbor pests harmful to roses

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, better than many English roses

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, rose sawfly

Diseases

Black spot, powdery mildew, rust (less susceptible than many varieties)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does David Austin Graham Thomas rose take to establish and bloom well?▼

Graham Thomas typically takes 2-3 years to reach its full potential. You'll get some blooms the first year, but the best flower production and climbing habit develop in the third year. Be patient with initial growth—this variety focuses on establishing strong root systems before putting energy into extensive blooming.

Can you grow Graham Thomas English rose in containers?▼

Yes, but only in very large containers (minimum 20 gallons) with excellent drainage. Container plants need daily watering in summer and winter protection in zones 5-7. The climbing habit is restricted in pots, so it behaves more like a large shrub rose reaching 4-6 feet rather than its normal 10-12 foot climbing size.

When should I plant David Austin Graham Thomas rose?▼

Plant in spring 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 60°F, or in early fall 6-8 weeks before first frost. Spring planting is preferred in zones 5-6 for better winter establishment. Container roses can be planted throughout the growing season with adequate watering, but avoid planting during summer heat waves.

How do you prune Graham Thomas climbing rose?▼

Prune lightly in late winter, removing only dead, diseased, or weak wood while preserving the main climbing framework. Unlike shrub roses, don't cut back healthy canes—just trim side shoots to 3-4 buds. Major structural pruning should only be done every 3-4 years to rejuvenate old wood.

Is Graham Thomas rose good for beginners?▼

Graham Thomas is moderately beginner-friendly due to its good disease resistance and forgiving nature, but the climbing habit requires some knowledge of training and support systems. New gardeners should start with shrub English roses before attempting climbers, though this variety is more forgiving than most climbing roses.

What does Graham Thomas rose smell like?▼

Graham Thomas has a classic strong tea rose fragrance with hints of honey and fresh hay. The scent is most intense in cool, humid conditions like early morning or after rain. Unlike some English roses with complex fragrances, this variety offers a pure, traditional rose perfume that carries well in the garden.