Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
Graham Thomas English Rose
- Rose type
- Shrub
- Height
- 4 to 10 feet (upright shrub by pruning, can climb)
- Bloom size
- Large (4 in)
- Flower color
- Rich golden yellow
- Fragrance
- Strong
About this plant
Rosa 'Graham Thomas' is an English shrub rose with rich golden-yellow, cupped blooms that open in flushes from late spring through autumn. The flowers emit a strong tea fragrance, often accented with hints of violet, and are carried on glossy, dark green foliage. Its upright form is bushy and elegant, enhancing garden borders or serving as a focal point.
Introduced in 1983 and named in honor of horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas, this rose holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Recognized for its excellent disease resistance and reliable reblooming habit, it remains a favorite among rose enthusiasts. In favorable conditions, its stiff canes mean it could be trained as a climber with patience.
Planting & care
Roses reward a sunny, open site with at least six hours of direct light, good air movement, and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply and less often, soaking the root zone while keeping the leaves dry, and mulch with two to three inches of compost or shredded bark held back from the canes. Feed repeat-blooming roses in early spring as growth starts and again after the first flush, then prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing canes and open the center. Shrub roses need only light thinning, keeping their natural full shape and repeat bloom.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
