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Rosa, Genus, 'Graham Thomas', Cultivar,
- Genus
- Cultivar
Rose 'Graham Thomas'
Overview
Rosa 'Graham Thomas' is a repeat-flowering English shrub rose bred by David Austin and introduced in 1983. Plants form an upright shrub 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide, and canes reach 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) in warm climates or when trained on a support. Flowers are deep yellow, 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) across, with about 35–40 petals in a cupped form that opens to a rosette and fades to pale yellow with age. Blooms are borne singly and in clusters of 3–5 on arching stems. Leaves are pinnate with 5–7 leaflets, each 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, medium green and semi-glossy. Flowers have a tea-rose fragrance with a fruity undertone. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 5–10, and canes are damaged by winter cold at the low end of that range. Blackspot affects foliage in humid summers, and the plant is less vigorous in cool, short-season climates than in warm ones.
Native Range
Rosa 'Graham Thomas' is a garden cultivar developed in England by David Austin Roses, named for the English horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas. The genus Rosa is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere.Suggested Uses
Used in mixed borders and rose beds, spaced 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) apart, and as a climber on walls, fences, and pillars to 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) in warm climates. Cut flowers last 5–7 days in water. Also grown in containers 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Bloom Information
First flush opens in late May to June, followed by repeat flushes every 6–8 weeks until the first hard frost. Each flower lasts 3–5 days, and color fades faster in sun above 85 °F (29 °C). Plants in zones 8–10 bloom nearly year-round with a brief pause in midsummer heat.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light in fertile, well-drained loam with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Water is applied at 1–2 inches (25–50 mm) per week at the soil surface to limit blackspot. Spacing of 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) allows air movement between plants. A 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) mulch layer and a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and after the first flush support repeat bloom. Hardiness covers USDA zones 5–10. Blackspot occurs in humid summers, and canes freeze back to the snow line in zone 5 winters.Pruning
Stems are reduced by one-third to one-half in late winter before buds swell, and dead, crossing, and weak canes are cut to the base. Spent flowers are cut back to the first five-leaflet leaf to encourage repeat bloom. When trained as a climber, main canes are tied horizontally and side shoots shortened to 2–3 buds.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winterearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons
