English Rose 'Constance Spry': Austin's Breakthrough Climber

When David Austin introduced 'Constance Spry' (also known as AUSfirst, AUStance) in 1961, it marked the birth of the English Rose movement. Named for the pioneering flower arranger and cookery writer Constance Spry, this large-flowered climber became the first of Austin's roses to combine old rose charm with modern repeat flowering—though it notably blooms only once, its impact was revolutionary.

Botanical Profile

The blooms are magnificent—large, deeply cupped, and packed with petals in a luminous, warm pink that seems to glow from within. The fragrance is powerful and complex: myrrh, honey, and classic old rose. As a climber, it sends up strong, arching canes to 10-12 feet, ideal for walls, pergolas, or training into trees. Though it blooms only in early summer, the sheer volume of flowers and their extraordinary beauty make 'Constance Spry' a garden event anticipated all year. It remains the cornerstone upon which Austin built his world-renowned rose dynasty.