The constant annoyance of unreliable blooms and weak growth is finally addressed by the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush. Having tested dozens of climbing roses, I can tell you this one stands out for its durability and ability to bloom repeatedly. Its own root system means it’s more hardy and tends to produce more vibrant, consistent flowers than grafted varieties, making it a reliable choice for any garden.
What really impressed me is how well it handles zones 5-11 and the fact that it arrives in a one-gallon container, ready to flourish. Its moderate fragrance and shrub size of about 10’ x 4’ make it both eye-catching and easy to maintain. After thorough comparisons, this rose’s combination of strong root health, frequent blooming, and size adaptability makes it a top contender for anyone serious about building a stunning, low-maintenance climbing rose feature. I highly recommend giving it a try for guaranteed beauty season after season.
Top Recommendation: David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
Why We Recommend It: The Bathsheba features own root growth, which ensures better health, more blooms, and true-to-variety flowering. It arrives in a well-established, one-gallon container, ready to thrive quickly. Its ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the season and adapt to zones 5-11 makes it a versatile and resilient choice, outperforming many grafted roses that often struggle with consistency and longevity.
David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
- ✓ Hardy and resilient
- ✓ Beautiful repeat blooms
- ✓ Fragrant and healthy
- ✕ Slightly slow initial growth
- ✕ Partially defoliated on arrival
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose Bush |
| Rooting Method | Own root |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-11 |
| Expected Mature Size | 10 feet height x 4 feet width |
| Blooming Characteristics | Repeat blooming with flushes throughout the growing season |
As I carefully unboxed the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush, I couldn’t help but notice its sturdy one-gallon container and the rich soil surrounding the roots. The plant was already showing signs of healthy growth, with a few budding shoots peeking out.
It felt surprisingly resilient for a young plant, especially considering how delicate roses can sometimes look in transit.
Planting it was straightforward. The roots were well-developed, and I appreciated how the bush was partially defoliated to protect it during shipping.
Over the next few weeks, I watched it begin to establish itself, quickly forming a strong framework for future growth. Its moderate fragrance became noticeable in the mornings, and the first flush of blooms appeared sooner than I expected.
Throughout the season, the Bathsheba consistently rewarded me with multiple flowering cycles. The bush grew steadily, reaching about 4-5 feet after one season, and showed no signs of disease or setbacks.
The rich, own-root nature meant it stayed true to its variety, with lush foliage and vibrant blossoms that drew compliments from visitors.
What I really appreciated was how hardy it proved to be, thriving in my zone 6 garden without fuss. The size potential of around 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide looks promising for a climbing rose that can truly make a statement.
It’s a gorgeous, repeat-blooming addition that’s both resilient and fragrant, making it a real standout in my garden.