Introduced:   1961, David Austin, UK
Class:  Shrub / English
Zones:  5-9
Parentage:  'Belle Isis' (Gallica)
                        x 'Dainty Maid'(Floribunda)
Flowers:  Warm pink, cupped, 4"
Size:  10 ft x 10 ft (warm climates)
6 ft x 6 ft (cool climates)
Fragrance:  Excellent, myrrh
Of note:  The first David Austin English rose, 'Constance Spry' has attractive, very large blooms and outstanding fragrance.

Let's just get the weaknesses out of the way first:  who would want to grow an ungainly (David Austin's own words), very thorny rose which can grow to mammoth size and has only one major flush of bloom per year?  Well, I would, and I am not alone in this regard.  (note:  'Constance Spry' does repeat with sporadic flowers here and there throughout the summer)

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and 'Constance Spry' is no different.  Sited correctly, where she can grow to her full glory, she will reward with masses of warm pink blooms that are among the largest of the old rose form.  Fragrance is outstanding.  'Constance Spry' should be considered an option by those who live in cooler climates, as she seems to bloom more profusely there.  If you live in areas with hot summers, consider other roses for your garden.

'Constance Spry', while not the first hybrid David Austin ever developed, was proof of his concept of combining old roses with modern in order to develop roses with the best qualities of old and new.

Constance Spry (1886-1960) was author of Flower Decoration and Favourite Flowers.