BIG BEN™ – creamy yellow climbing rose - O’Connell
Climbing arches, walls and pergolas with ease, BIG BEN™ settles quickly from its pharmaROSA® ORIGINAL 2‑litre pot into typical British garden conditions, coping well even where wind-exposed plots and heavier soils need thoughtful drainage. Its semi-double, strongly scented blooms open a soft, creamy yellow and fade gently towards white, giving a relaxed cottage look along fences and facades. Own-root growth means the plant matures steadily into a well-anchored structure with reliable regrowth after pruning, supporting a long ornamental lifespan in small to medium gardens. Over the first years it builds roots, then stronger shoots, before reaching its full flowering potential, so you can simply plant, guide the canes, and enjoy a low-fuss vertical feature that brings fragrance, height and a welcoming sense of arrival to your front garden.
Usage options
| Target area | Reasoning |
|---|
| House wall or warm south-facing facade |
Trains readily as a medium-height climber, covering 2.4–3.9 m with dense, glossy foliage and softly coloured blooms that sit well against brick or render. Own-root vigour ensures the framework thickens over time with dependable regrowth after pruning, suiting those who want a long-lived vertical accent with minimal complication for the beginner. |
| Front-garden arch or garden gate |
The creamy-yellow, cup-shaped flowers and strong fragrance create a welcoming entrance when grown over arches or gate structures, with repeat flushes maintaining interest through the season. Moderate thorniness makes guided tying straightforward, while the plant’s natural climbing habit quickly forms an inviting tunnel of bloom for the homeowner. |
| Pergola or seating-area frame |
When led along pergola rafters, the semi-double clusters hang attractively at eye and head height, bringing scent to seating areas from early summer onwards. The balanced height range suits domestic pergolas, and own-root resilience provides a stable, long-term framework that can be refreshed by harder pruning when needed for the family. |
| Small cottage-style border backdrop |
Positioned at the rear of a narrow border and tied to discreet supports, this climber gives soft vertical structure without overwhelming smaller plots. The pastel colour palette pairs naturally with cottage perennials, while moderate pollinator interest adds subtle wildlife value for gardeners who like informal charm without complex maintenance for the cottage-lover. |
| Freestanding pillar or obelisk in lawn |
Its manageable spread of 0.9–1.6 m allows training around pillars or obelisks to create an upright focal point where space is limited. Own-root growth leads to a solid, well-anchored base over the years, meaning the rose recovers well from winter and shaping cuts, ideal for those seeking a reliable, sculptural accent for the stylist. |
| Cutting corner for scented stems |
The large, cluster-borne flowers with strong, long-lasting scent are well suited to cutting, providing pastel indoor arrangements. Regular harvesting of stems doubles as light pruning, encouraging repeat flowering without technical know-how, which appeals to gardeners who enjoy bringing fragrance indoors with straightforward care for the busy. |
| Raised bed along a boundary fence |
In raised beds or improved soil, it copes well where heavier ground and exposure might challenge more delicate roses, provided drainage is sensibly managed in blustery, moisture-retentive sites. Over roughly three seasons it moves from root establishment to strong shoot growth and full ornamental impact, reassuring those who prefer steady, predictable progress for the urbanite. |
| Large container by the front door |
In a substantial container of at least 40–50 litres with regular watering and feeding, this climber can be trained up a fan or trellis near an entrance, giving fragrance and colour without occupying bed space. The own-root habit supports long-term renewal of canes from the base, extending the useful life of the planting for the novice. |
Styling ideas
- Cottage-arch – Train BIG BEN™ over a narrow arch, underplant with Lychnis and soft pink geraniums for a romantic gateway – ideal for lovers of traditional cottage style.
- Brickbackdrop – Fan the climber against warm brick, edging with dwarf box and lavender to frame windows – suited to neat front gardens seeking gentle structure.
- Pergola-nook – Run canes along a small pergola over a bench, with rosemary and thyme beneath for scent at multiple levels – perfect for relaxed seating areas.
- Pillar-focus – Spiral the rose around a metal obelisk set in lawn or gravel, with simple low grasses around the base – good for beginners wanting an easy focal point.
- Doorstep-pot – Grow in a 50-litre container by the door, mixing with trailing thyme and seasonal bedding at the base – practical for compact urban entrances.
Technical cultivar profile
| Parameter | Data |
|---|
| Name and registration |
Big Ben™ climbing rose O’Connell; ARS exhibition name ‘Big Ben’. Large-flowered climber within the climbing rose group, marketed as a fragrant ornamental also suitable for cutting. |
| Origin and breeding |
Spontaneous sport of ‘Compassion’® (1972, Harkness). Bred by Colleen O’Connell around 2002, introduced by Matthews Nurseries (New Zealand, 2008) and Jackson & Perkins (USA, 2024). |
| Growth and structural characteristics |
Climbing habit with 2.4–3.9 m height and 0.9–1.6 m spread. Dense, dark glossy foliage on moderately thorny shoots; forms a stable framework when trained on supports in garden settings. |
| Flower morphology |
Semi-double, cup to goblet-shaped blooms with 13–25 petals, borne mainly in clusters. Large flowers within the 2.75–3.95 inch range, with remontant, abundant second flushes in season. |
| Colour data and phenology |
Creamy-yellow blooms (ARS YB; RHS 158C outer, 11D inner) opening butter-toned then fading toward near white with a soft yellow throat, giving gentle tonal variation as flowers age. |
| Fragrance and aroma |
Strong, long-lasting scent characteristic of scented climbers; precise fragrance notes not documented, but clearly perceptible around arches, pergolas and entrances in still conditions. |
| Hip characteristics |
Produces moderate quantities of ellipsoidal hips, 10–14 mm diameter, orange-red (RHS 40A). Hips follow successful pollination and can add light seasonal interest later in the year. |
| Resistance and winter hardiness |
Hardy to approximately –26 to –23 °C (RHS H7, Swedish zone 4, USDA 5b). Disease resistance rated medium for powdery mildew, black spot and rust, requiring occasional monitoring. |
| Horticultural recommendations |
Best in sunny positions on arches, pergolas, walls or as a cut-flower climber. Allow 140–150 cm for hedges or mass plantings; plant at 250 cm as a solitary specimen for clear display. |
BIG BEN™ offers strongly scented creamy-yellow blooms, reliable climbing structure and own-root longevity, making it a thoughtful choice for welcoming arches, walls or entrances in an easy-care family garden.
