Introduced:   1992, David Austin, UK
Class:  Shrub / English
Zones:  5-9
Parentage:  'Graham Thomas' x 'Mary Rose'
Flowers:  White, cupped, 2 1/2" to 3"
Size:  3 feet x 3 feet (warm & cold climates)
Fragrance:  Strong, sweet
Strengths:  Glorious white blooms of superb form.
Low growth, unusual in the David Austin's.
Needs excellent culture to thrive.

Comments:  'Glamis Castle' (pronounced 'GLAMS') is an interesting study in plant breeding.  First, however, we should stop to sing the praises of the lovely white blossoms.  David Austin considers it the best white rose that he has bred to date (1998).  Cupped blossoms are borne profusely, most likely due to the Floribunda heritage of grandparent 'Iceberg' passed through 'Graham Thomas'.  Size is uncharacteristically restrained for a David Austin rose; 'Glamis Castle' normally reaches three feet or less in height and spread.   Foliage is dark green, and prone to the occasional sparring match with blackspot and mildew.

Some gardeners have experienced disappointment with 'Glamis Castle.'  Complaints have included weak growth, susceptibility to blackspot, and small flowers. 'Glamis Castle' is one of those roses which must be planted in a properly prepared bed.  Believing that roses should not be fussed over, I like varieties which are tough enough to withstand my occasionally indifferent planting habits.  However, I do indeed work hard to adequately prepare beds for those plants which need some coddling.  Carelessly planted roses may never overcome improper planting.  'Glamis Castle' should be planted in well-drained, loamy soil, and patience should be exercised.  It will take her a year or two to become established, and until that time, her flowers may be smallish.  Another rose to consider if you wish to plant a white English Rose is 'Winchester Cathedral', a sport of 'Mary Rose'.

Regarding the breeding of 'Glamis Castle', it is interesting to me that a white rose was the result of a cross between the pink 'Mary Rose' and the yellow 'Graham Thomas.'  Further, 'Glamis Castle' is one of the smallest of the English Roses, and her parent 'Graham Thomas' has the potential to get huge.   While this is not the forum to examine dominant and recessive genes, I believe it does point out what a daunting task breeders have.  When David Austin bred 'Mary Rose' and 'Graham Thomas' did he envision that the result would be a diminutive white beauty?

A royal residence since 1372, 'Glamis Castle' is the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth, and the childhood home of the Queen Mother.