Gloire de Dijon Rose Bushes

• Variety: Gloire de Dijon
• Type: Climbing Rose (Tea-Noisette)
• Colour: Buff yellow to creamy apricot
• Fragrance: Strong tea and sweet scent
• Height: 500cm (16ft)
• Flowering: June to October, repeat-flowering
• Aspect: South or west-facing wall; needs support
• Good for: South-facing walls, pergolas, pillars, heritage gardens
• Sold as: Bare root (November–March) and potted plants
• Delivered: By next-day courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Gloire de Dijon is a vigorous Tea-Noisette climbing rose, bred in France in 1853, with large fully double quartered blooms in buff yellow to creamy apricot. Strong tea and sweet fragrance make it one of the most historically significant climbing roses, still grown widely in British gardens today.

Gloire de Dijon, the Victorian climber that never fades

This is a rose with genuine pedigree. Bred by Jacotot in France in 1853, Gloire de Dijon earned the nickname "Old Glory Rose" and became a fixture of Victorian gardens across Britain. Nearly 170 years later, it remains one of the oldest climbing roses still widely grown, and for good reason. The flowers are large, fully double, and quartered in the old-fashioned style that modern breeders still chase. Their colour shifts from warm buff yellow to creamy apricot as they age, creating a subtle depth that photographs never quite capture.

What sets this rose apart is its fragrance. Strong, sweet, and distinctly tea-scented, it fills the air around your wall or pergola from June right through to October. This is not a shy, fleeting perfume. It is generously proportioned, like everything else about Gloire de Dijon. Vigour is exceptional: you are looking at 500cm of growth if given the right aspect and support, which makes it ideal for south or west-facing walls, pillars, and large pergolas.

The repeat-flowering habit means you get wave after wave of blooms through the growing season, not just a single spring flush. In a warm, sheltered position with good drainage, this rose repays attention with years of reliable performance. It is not fussy about soil, though it prefers fertility and moisture during the growing season.

Why Gloire de Dijon belongs on your wall

Heritage roses have a different presence from modern hybrids. They carry history. Gloire de Dijon was grown by the same gardeners who admired Constable's paintings and tended Victorian estates. Plant one and you are linking yourself to that continuity. The quartered form of the flower is architecturally satisfying in a way that simpler blooms cannot match, and the colour range is subtle and sophisticated. This is a rose that photographs beautifully but always looks better in the flesh.

Vigour is a genuine asset here. A weak grower would never reach 500cm or clothe a large structure convincingly. Gloire de Dijon grows with purpose and fills its space, flowering reliably and generously. Pruning is straightforward: tie in new growth as the season progresses, then prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage flowering shoots from lower down the framework.

Growing Gloire de Dijon successfully

Position is everything with this rose. South or west-facing is essential to ripen the wood and promote flowering. In shade, you will get leaf, not blooms. Good drainage prevents root problems in winter; add grit to clay soil before planting. Water well during establishment and through dry spells in the growing season. Fertilise in spring as growth breaks, then again after the first flush of flowers to support the repeat cycle. Deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering, though you can leave hips to form if you prefer the autumn display.

Companion Plants for Heritage Climbing Roses

Gloire de Dijon reaches skyward, so underplanting creates depth and a finished look. Lavender at the base picks up the warm tones of the blooms and flowers simultaneously. Clematis, especially the late-flowering varieties, threads through the rose without competing for resources. Alliums add architectural interest and bridge the gap between spring bulbs and summer roses. For a softer, more romantic scheme, combine with silver-foliaged perennials like artemisia or senecio. A low-growing herbaceous perennial like catmint softens the base without shading the root zone.

Why Buy Your Roses from Ashridge Nurseries

Our climbing roses are budded onto vigorous rootstock by specialist growers and backed by our Which? Gardening Best Plant Supplier award and Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. We despatch healthy, well-established plants that establish quickly. Explore more climbing roses or order collection from Castle Cary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gloire de Dijon hardy?

Yes, it is fully hardy in the UK. Winter protection is rarely needed except in the coldest regions. A south or west-facing position provides natural shelter. Read more in our climbing rose guide.

When should I plant Gloire de Dijon?

Bare root plants go in from November to March while dormant. Potted plants can be planted year-round but establish faster if planted in autumn or spring. Avoid planting in frozen ground or during heat stress.

How tall does Gloire de Dijon grow?

It reaches 500cm (16ft) in ideal conditions with a sunny aspect and good support. Growth is vigorous, so give it space and sturdy framework. Pruning and training manage height and shape effectively.

Does Gloire de Dijon need pruning?

Yes. Tie in new shoots during the growing season, then prune in late winter to remove dead wood and maintain framework shape. Full pruning advice is here.

Can Gloire de Dijon be grown in a pot?

It is not ideal for long-term container growing due to its vigour and height. If you must pot it, use a large container, excellent drainage, and water and feed generously throughout the season.