Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

260 other cultivars

shrub

Mary Delany English Climbing Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Mary Delany'

The Story

Plant Bio

Roses in the genus *Rosa* are woody deciduous perennials known for their alternate, pinnately compound leaves and thorny stems. Their flowers feature five petals in wild species, though cultivated varieties display dense, multi-petaled double blooms that attract generalist insect pollinators.

'Mary Delany' is a vigorous, nearly thornless climbing shrub that produces loose sprays of soft pink, double flowers with exposed golden-yellow stamens. Previously distributed under the synonym 'Mortimer Sackler', this cultivar features slender, dark stems and small, dark green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces continuous flushes of soft pink double flowers on elegant, nearly thornless stems from late spring to early winter.

Virtually thornless stems make it safe to plant near walkways, seating areas, and high-traffic garden paths.

Exposed golden-yellow stamens provide pollen for bees and other beneficial insect pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

United Kingdom

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Winter

In flower about 10 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and mix in organic compost to enrich the soil.
Install a sturdy trellis, fence, or pillar support structure before planting.
Plant the rose at the same depth as its container, backfill, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Tie the young, flexible stems loosely to the support structure using soft garden twine.

Pro Tip

Secure the slender, flexible stems manually to a trellis or wall, as this cultivar lacks self-clinging tendrils and will not climb without support.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and a high-potash fertilizer fortnightly during summer.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering into early winter.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood that lacks active dormant buds.
Avoid overhead watering, which wets the foliage and increases the risk of black spot and powdery mildew.
Do not attempt to propagate this cultivar, as amateur asexual propagation is legally prohibited by patent protections.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or Arbor ClimberCottage Garden BorderWall-Trained SpecimenThornless Pathway Accent

Companion Plants

Salvia Lavandula Nepeta Clematis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mary Delany English Climbing Rose questions

What zones can Mary Delany English Climbing Rose grow in?

Mary Delany English Climbing Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mary Delany English Climbing Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mary Delany English Climbing Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mary Delany English Climbing Rose bloom?

Mary Delany English Climbing Rose typically blooms in late spring through winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mary Delany English Climbing Rose need full sun?

Mary Delany English Climbing Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mary Delany English Climbing Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mary Delany English Climbing Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.