Tess of the d'Urbervilles (XL climbing rose)

The Rosa ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’, a masterpiece by David Austin from 1997, remains one of the most beloved English roses ever cultivated. Although this variety is no longer produced and has been officially discontinued by David Austin, it remains an icon of English rose artistry – praised for its intense crimson red color, lush bloom, and intoxicating fragrance.

The large, fully double flowers appear abundantly from June to October and emit a rich, classic rose scent with deep, romantic notes. The petals have a satin sheen, making each flower seem to glow in the sunlight. The shrub is vigorous, with healthy, glossy leaves and sturdy stems covered with characteristic thorns – a true English beauty with a tough edge.

As a shrub, the ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ grows to about 120 cm tall and wide, but it can also be trained as a low climbing rose reaching up to 3 meters high . Thanks to its robustness and healthy growth, it was a favorite among garden enthusiasts worldwide for many years.

Important Information

The Rosa ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ is no longer cultivated and has been officially discontinued by David Austin Roses. This means that this variety may no longer be propagated or sold under license.

At Belle Epoque however, this rose remains an important part of our history – a tribute to the timeless beauty of English roses and the craftsmanship that brought each flower to life.

Historical Characteristics

• Type: English rose / former climbing and shrub rose

• Color: deep crimson red

• Flower form: large, fully double

• Fragrance: strong, classic and romantic

• Height: 120 cm as a shrub, up to 300 cm as a climber

• Bloom: rich blooming from June to October

• Breeder: David Austin (1997)

• Status: no longer in production

Although the ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ is no longer available, its legacy lives on in the modern roses of David Austin – each with the same passion, fragrance, and elegance.

Discover our current range of English roses at Belle Epoque and be inspired by the beauty of their heritage.

• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October

2.5 m

Blooms all season

Lightly scented

Roses in a pot

A potted rose is a rose plant that has already been grown in a pot and is delivered with a well-developed root system. These roses are ready to be planted in the garden or in a larger pot, without having to wait for roots to develop. This makes the potted rose ideal for year-round planting, especially May to October.

Bare root roses

Bare-root roses – also called root roses – are rose plants that are delivered without pots or soil. These roses are dormant and can be planted directly in the ground. The best time to plant a root rose is autumn or early spring, when the soil is still moist and the temperature is mild.

At Belle Epoque we supply bare root roses from November to AprilThanks to the well-developed root system and the right planting conditions, these roses grow vigorously into healthy and floriferous shrubs or climbing roses.

Products are shipped weekly on Mondays & Shipped directly from the nursery on Wednesday. By delivering only twice a week, we reduce logistical emissions and optimize our processes. This benefits both the quality of our products and the climate.