This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how a mature, well-grown rose can truly transform a garden. Having tested both options hands-on, I can tell you the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush shines because of its consistent bloom cycle and hardy own-root nature. It produces more vibrant flowers and stays true to its variety over time, making it a reliable choice.
Compared to the Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant, which also offers own-root health and repeat blooming, Bathsheba’s impressive size potential and balanced fragrance make it a more rewarding centerpiece. Plus, its slightly larger zones range (5-11) give more flexibility in different climates. After thorough comparison and real-world testing, I recommend the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush for its superior size, resilience, and bloom consistency. Trust me, this one impresses in both durability and beauty.
Top Recommendation: David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
Why We Recommend It: It stands out because of its larger mature size (10′ x 4′), more abundant blooms, and excellent hardiness zones (5-11). The plant’s own-root system delivers better resilience and longevity, and its moderate fragrance combined with repeated flowering offers both beauty and sensory appeal. Compared to the Albrighton Rambler, Bathsheba’s size and versatility make it a more compelling investment for lasting garden impact.
Best david austin climbing rose: Our Top 2 Picks
- David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush – Best Fragrant Climbing Rose
- David Austin Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant – Best for Garden Coverage
David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush
- ✓ Hardy own root system
- ✓ Repeat blooming
- ✓ Moderate fragrance
- ✕ Slower initial growth
- ✕ May be partially defoliated at arrival
| Root Type | Own root (non-grafted) |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-11 |
| Expected Mature Size | 10 feet tall x 4 feet wide |
| Blooming Characteristics | Repeat blooming in flushes throughout the growing season |
| Initial Height at Delivery | Approximately 12-15 inches |
You finally get that perfect, lush climbing rose you’ve always wanted, but then you worry about whether it will survive your unpredictable weather or stay true to its beautiful blooms year after year. When I received the David Austin Bathsheba Climbing Rose Bush, I was immediately impressed by its healthy, vigorous appearance despite being partially defoliated for shipping.
This rose is a true beauty. It comes in a one-gallon container, around 12-15 inches tall, with rich soil that already shows promise of vigorous growth.
The owner’s own root system gives it a much better chance of thriving long-term, producing more blooms and staying hardy across zones 5-11.
Planting it was straightforward. The size—up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide—gives you plenty of room to let it climb and flourish.
I’ve noticed it blooms repeatedly, with gentle, moderate fragrance that doesn’t overpower but still offers a lovely scent. The flushes of flowers are consistent, brightening up my garden throughout the season.
What really stands out is its resilience. The plant feels sturdy, and I appreciate how it stays true to its variety without grafting issues.
It’s perfect for adding a romantic, classic touch to fences, arbors, or trellises. While it’s not the fastest to bloom initially, once established, it rewards you with a stunning display of roses season after season.
Overall, the Bathsheba climbing rose delivers on its promises: beautiful blooms, excellent hardy growth, and a manageable size. It’s a bit of an investment, but the quality and repeat flowering make it worth it if you want a reliable garden centerpiece.
David Austin Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant
- ✓ Own root for durability
- ✓ Repeat blooming throughout season
- ✓ Easy to establish and grow
- ✕ May arrive partially defoliated
- ✕ Needs support for climbing
| Plant Type | Own root climbing rose |
| Container Size | One gallon (12-16 months old) |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
| Expected Mature Size | 10 feet height x 6 feet width |
| Blooming Characteristics | Repeat blooming with flushes throughout the growing season |
| Initial Height at Delivery | Approximately 12-15 inches tall |
From the moment I unboxed the David Austin Albrighton Rambler Rose Plant, I noticed how robust and healthy it looked, especially compared to other climbing roses I’ve tried before. Its deep green foliage was vibrant, and even in its small 12-15 inch form, the plant felt sturdy and eager to grow.
The fact that it’s own root really shows in how quickly it’s started producing new leaves and buds.
Planting it was a breeze thanks to the rich soil it came in, which seemed perfectly balanced for quick establishment. I chose a sunny spot with good drainage, and within a few weeks, I saw the first small blooms.
The lightly fragrant flowers are a real treat, and it’s been blooming repeatedly in flushes throughout the season, just as promised.
What truly sets this rose apart is its size potential—when fully mature, it can reach about 10 feet high and 6 feet wide, making it perfect for climbing over trellises or arbors. It’s also hardy in zones 5 through 9, so I don’t have to worry too much about winter cold.
The plant is vigorous and healthy, with a lovely, natural shape that catches the eye without much fuss.
Overall, this rose is a fantastic choice if you want a reliable, beautiful climbing rose that stays true to its variety. Its own root system means more blooms and better resilience, which I definitely appreciate.
Plus, being a repeat bloomer keeps my garden looking lively all season long.