Wollerton Old Hall

Where to plant. By a rest area, thanks to its exceptionally strong myrrh + citrus fragrance that lasts ALL DAY; on an arch or pergola by paths — safe for walking thanks to the absence of thorns; on the house wall at the back; as an accent in a mixed border.

Climate. All of Ukraine without protection (USDA 5-11); copes well with summer heat; a warm sunny place without waterlogging.

Care. Full sun; moderate prevention; feed 2–3× per season; prune weak shoots in spring; train it on a support as a climber.

Name. 'Wollerton Old Hall' — after the famous private garden of the XVI century in Shropshire (Great Britain), one of Britain's most acclaimed private gardens, owned by the Lesslie-Jones family. The garden is known for its 'architecture of rooms' and its rose collection. David Austin traditionally names varieties after British historic estates and gardens.

Breeding. Bred by David Austin at David Austin Roses (Albrighton, Shropshire, UK). Code AUSblanket. Bred 2003, introduced 2011. Parentage: not disclosed — two unnamed seedlings.

Significance. One of the best English Austin climbers for the stability of its fragrance — the myrrh with citrus lasts ALL DAY, not just in the morning (rare for roses). David Austin Roses places it in the category 'Best for Fragrance'. 4 international awards: Nantes 2nd International Prize 2012, Hradec Králové First Prize 2015 (Czech Republic), Australia Certificate of Merit 2017, Hamilton Best Climber 2019 (NZ). Almost thornless — a rarity among climbers, ideal for arches by paths. A three-stage colour metamorphosis: peach-red bud – cream-apricot – cream with peach notes. Straight growth — a rarity among climbers (most of them sprawl). USDA 5-11 — all of Ukraine without protection. No RHS AGM (despite its popularity) — a common myth. Code AUSblanket (NOT AUSblanchflour, as in some secondary catalogues).