Celebration of Roses, January 26: Climbing St Swithun™ (AUSwith)
Link to HMF: Climbing St Swithun™ (AUSwith)
Acquired From: David Austin Roses
Own Root? No
Would I Grow Again? No
Notes: I think I might still have one of these in a pot somewhere at the new house but if not, I don’t plan on growing again mainly because for a fragrant, healthy, repeat-blooming pink David Austin climber, ‘The Generous Gardener’ is a better choice. ‘St Swithun’, although simply stunning in flower, was more prone to disease and had a difficult habit (stiff, prickly canes with very long laterals) to train into climbing form.
I grow her too and have grown to love her. I have two on either side of an arch. My first problem was the Dr. Huey rootstock shooting out HUGE canes. (I love own root from now on!). Luckily I got to them because they were zapping her of energy. I live in Zone 9b (NorCal). She was a slow starter for me. It is around the 3rd or 4th year and though she gets a bit of black spot, I am on her case and remove them right away, so not a problem. She now covers the arch and I am very pleased with her beauty and repeat bloom. I grow the Generous Gardener as well as a fountain and understand your recommendation.
Hmmm that’s interesting about Dr Huey! I’ve gone back to purchasing my David Austins as grafted but I’ll keep an eye out for that pesky Huey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on St Swithun. It’s so nice to hear from other gardeners in different climates because, of course, my notes are simply my experience. Really appreciate it! 🙂
I am growing 2 of the David Austen versions. I am not an experienced rose grower, with St Swithun being the first I have had planted. I live in central Colorado, zone 4bish to 5b (crazy weather sometimes!) and she has grown over 6 foot on my north facing arbor, lower on the south facing. We have intense sun, being east facing on a hill, and I think the northern bush is benefiting from the shadow my home casts on it. The canes are hard, thick and stiff, but if caught early enough, I can weave it into the arbor. I haven’t had any disease at this point, but I am only 2 years in on these bushes.
I will be buying this rose again, after a move to New Hampshire, but I plan on having more than just St Swithun, and creating a hedgerow effect of a variety of roses.
Wow, that’s wonderful Stephenie! St Swithun seems to tolerate extremes. The one we planted at our allotment is buffeted daily by all kinds of weather and is surprisingly doing really well. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! 🙂