Graham Thomas is one of the roses that put me in the winner’s circle at the Indianapolis Rose Show last week! (See pics of the Rose Show here.)
This rose is a rich, radiant yellow David Austin English Rose with a strong tea fragrance. If you want to grow this rose, know that he is very hardy and is sometimes grown as a climber so give him some room or be prepared to keep him trimmed.
For more details on this lovely shrub rose … read on.
The Naming of This Rose
This rose was named for Graham Stuart Thomas an English horticulturalist, garden designer, rosarian extraordinaire and one of the most influential gardeners of the 20th century. He actually chose this rose to be named for him.
Another fun fact about Graham Stuart Thomas — he was was mentored by none other than Gertrude Jekyll. He was starting his career as she was finishing hers so it was a match made in heaven.
His book, The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book, is a comprehensive reference on roses –especially historical roses.
Back to the Winner’s Circle…
After…
I was in the company of greatness….
Look at all this beauty! Our rose society is filled with wonderfully talented rosarians!
that is beautiful, the flowers are very nice, by the way does your graham thomas have die back in winter at all? will it climb for you if you let it? I tried to grow one once and it did not do well not sure why. I am afriad to try it again, I am thinking of getting three more new dawn to put on my side yard fences (I used to have horses so there is very long fence it could cover) and some rugosas to put there, not sure yet, I would like to get a pick climber as well to put on that fence. I am sure I could find a red one, the fence gets the northern winds so any yellow climber may not do good there. the golden gate I ordered will be in front where the house and garage block any norther winds and they will face the south and south east exposure in winter. see if that keeps the tops alive without protection, I might give it some for the first year tho since it will be smallish.
I think you will be happy with more New Dawns. They are so perfect on fences.
Graham Thomas does not die back to much for me but I do have to watch for black spot!
Oh My Gosh!!!! You won!!!! I am so proud of you!! This is terrific!! I am thrilled for you!! Dick and I are not surprised!! Your garden is magnificent! I am so happy for you! Your beautiful flowers came through for you!! This is great news!!! The rose is beautiful! You make me want to go out and get a Graham Stuart Thomas rose!! Way to go!! Love, Carol and Dick
Thanks Carol. One of the highlights of my spring season was having your family in the garden! Let’s get together soon again!
Congratulations Teresa – this is a stunning beauty. The yellow roses are probably my favorites.
Yes, yellow in the garden is a fav of mine too. Brings the sunshine in for sure — even on a cloudy day!
Yeah for your win! And oh, how I sometimes miss my Graham Thomas rose bushes that I left behind on the Oklahoma plain. Makes me smile to think of yours.
You can enjoy mine any time! Like you, I sometimes long for every rose I have every had through the years.
Awesome! One gorgeous bloom!
Luckily, that is all it took! 🙂
Been loving these daily posts, Teresa. Thanks for all the shares.
Hey! So glad you have enjoyed! My pleasure.
Hi Teresa – nice to see all your rose posts here. I just posted about the effusion in my garden but I’m unsure what all the roses are as I didn’t plant them. Will take a look here and see what I find.\Well done with the Graham Thomas rose – has to be one of my favourites.