David Austin Tess d’Urbervilles

Tess of The d’Urbervilles Rose

David Austin’s Tess d’Urbervilles is a breathtaking English rose known for its deep crimson blooms that open into large, cupped rosettes with velvety, overlapping petals. The rich color and dramatic form give this rose a luxurious, romantic presence in the garden. Its strong old rose fragrance adds classic charm, while the generous repeat-flowering habit ensures ongoing beauty from summer through autumn. As a versatile variety, Tess d’Urbervilles can be grown as a medium-to-large shrub or trained as a short climber, making it an ideal choice for trellises, arches, and cottage-style borders.

This rose is admired not only for its striking blooms but also for its resilience and vigorous growth. It develops strong, arching stems and healthy foliage that create a lush backdrop for its richly colored flowers. Its bold blossoms pair well with silver foliage, soft pastels, and other deep-toned perennials to create dramatic garden compositions. Whether serving as a focal point, climbing feature, or a standout shrub in mixed plantings, Tess d’Urbervilles offers exceptional beauty and reliable performance.

Care Instructions

Planting:
Choose a sunny site with at least 6 hours of light. Dig a wide hole, amend with compost, and plant with the crown at soil level. Provide support if training as a climber.

Watering:
Water deeply 1–2 times weekly during establishment. Keep soil evenly moist in hot weather, but avoid waterlogging.

Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring. As a shrub, remove weak stems and shape lightly. For climbers, tie in long canes and shorten lateral shoots.

Pest Control:
Monitor for aphids, mites, and fungal issues. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed and promote beneficial insects for natural balance.

Soil Tips:
Grow in fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich with organic matter annually and mulch to retain moisture, improve soil texture, and support root health.