Constance Spry

The beautiful Constance Spry is famous in the world of David Austin roses as being his first commercial release, way back in the olden days of 1961, the year before I was born. She is once-flowering, but the display is long and lovely, and her myrrh scent is just glorious.

Her canes are long and arching, and although she is often grown as a climber she is a fine free-standing and self-supporting shrub rose. I have her in two spots in the garden, and she grows unsupported in both.

The blooms are so gorgeous-cupped clear pink and large- and hold their form well. As a shrub Constance Spry builds up to about 2 x 2 metres, but as a supported climber she can reach at least twice this size.

Because she is very resistant to black spot and other rose nasties, Constance is still a handsome garden shrub even when not in bloom.