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 craft – praised for its deep crimson red colour, lush bloom, and intoxicating scent.

The large, well-filled flowers appear in abundance from June to October and spread a rich, classic rose fragrance with deep, romantic notes. The petals have a satin-like sheen, making each flower seem to glow in the sunlight. The bush is vigorous, with healthy, glossy leaves and sturdy branches covered with characteristic thorns – a true English beauty with a sturdy edge.

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

Important information

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

At Belle Epoque 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 features

• Type: English rose / former climbing and bush rose

• Colour: deep crimson red

• Flower shape: large, well filled

• Scent: strong, classic and romantic

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

• Bloom: rich flowering 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, scent, and grace.

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

2.5 m

Blooms all season

Lightly scented

Roses in pots

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 directly in the garden or in a larger pot, without having to wait for root growth. This makes the potted rose ideal for planting throughout the year, especially from May through October.

Roses with bare roots

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

At Belle Epoque we supply bare-root roses from November through April. Thanks to the well-developed root system and the right planting conditions, these roses grow vigorously into healthy and bloom-rich bushes or climbing roses.

Products are shipped directly from the nursery every Monday and Wednesday. By delivering only twice a week, we reduce logistical emissions and optimise our processes. This benefits both the quality of our products and the climate.