'Graham Thomas' Rose
'Graham Thomas' is the yellow flag of the English-rose revolution - the 1983 Austin that proved old-rose charm could come in rich apricot-gold with tea fragrance and vigorous repeat.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
'Graham Thomas' is the yellow flag of the English-rose revolution - the 1983 Austin that proved old-rose charm could come in rich apricot-gold with tea fragrance and vigorous repeat. Voted the world's favourite rose in 2009. (Rosa 'Graham Thomas', English shrub.)
Origin & Natural Habitat
David Austin 1983, named for the great rosarian; WFRS World's Favourite Rose 2009; still among the best-selling Austins ever.
Appearance
Arching shrub 1.2-1.5 m (or 2.5-3 m trained as a climber); cupped, richly double butter-to-apricot gold blooms with fresh tea scent; abundant repeat.
Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits
- THE English-rose yellow
- True tea fragrance
- Shrub or short climber - your choice
- Austin reliability at its most proven
Care
Light: Full sun - 6+ hours; roses sulk, stretch and sicken in shade.
Water: Deep weekly soak at the base (more in heat); never overhead-sprinkle in the evening - wet leaves overnight breed blackspot.
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam, pH 6.0-6.8, generous compost at planting.
Temperature & Hardiness: Zones 5-9; gold holds best with light afternoon relief in furnace climates.
Feeding: Balanced rose feed in spring and after the first flush; stop by late summer so growth hardens before frost.
Pruning & Maintenance: Austin shrub rules (cut a third, shape the arch) - or train the long canes as a pillar climber.
Planting & Propagation
Buy plants (long off-patent now, widely available own-root too).
Common Problems & Pests
- Can throw tall wayward canes (train or trim them)
- Moderate blackspot in wet years - decent, not immune
- Blooms nod on young plants
Toxicity & Safety
Roses are non-toxic to dogs and cats - the thorns are the only hazard.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Radiant unfading-enough gold
- Fragrant + repeat + vigor
- Dual shrub/climber use
Cons
- Wants space or training
- Not the newest health genetics
- Gold fades some in extreme heat
Best Suited For
- Mixed borders craving warm yellow
- English/cottage schemes
- Short pillars and fences
- First David Austin purchases
FAQ
Shrub or climber - which is it?
Both by training: pruned annually it's a fountain shrub; canes left long and tied become a 2.5-3 m pillar rose. One plant, two careers.
Who was Graham Thomas?
The 20th century's great old-rose conservator - Austin named his breakthrough yellow for the man who saved the classes it descends from.