St. Swithun
Introduced:  1993, David Austin, UK
Class:  Shrub / English
Zones:  5-10
Parentage:  'Mary Rose' x ('Chaucer' x 'Conrad F. Meyer')
Flowers:  Cupped, Clear Pink, 3" - 4"
Height/Width:  8 feet x 6 feet (warm climates)
3 feet x 3 feet (cool climates)
Fragrance:  Strong
Of note:  Clear, slightly pale pink flowers are elegant and soft.

'St. Swithun' bears blush pink flowers of soft elegance.  Flower shape is scalloped and petals fold around a button eye.  Flowers are produced in clusters.  'St. Swithun' does repeat bloom, but somewhat sparsely until established in the garden. 

'St. Swithun' can be grown as an attractive three foot tall shrub in cooler climates, but in the American south, it should be considered a pillar or climber (unless cut back to shrub height).  Canes are flexible and arching, reaching eight feet or so in length.  Disease resistance is moderate, although blackspot and mildew may be an issue; spraying is recommended in areas prone to these maladies.

'St. Swithun' was named to honor the 900th anniversary of the founding of Winchester Cathedral.  July 15th is St. Swithun's Day (St. Swithun was the bishop at Winchester Cathedral in the middle of the 9th century).  Legend has it that if it rains on St. Swithun's day, it shall rain for 40 days and nights thereafter.