Introduction & History

Teasing Georgia is a David Austin English Rose that brings the warm, buttery glow of rich yellow to the garden with all the charm and romance of old-fashioned blooms. Introduced in 1998, this versatile variety can be grown as either a large, arching shrub or trained as a short climber, reaching up to 3 meters against a wall or pillar. The deeply cupped blooms are a beautiful rich yellow at the center, fading to pale creamy yellow at the outer petals, creating a luminous, almost glowing effect. With a strong, delicious fragrance combining tea rose and old rose elements, Teasing Georgia is one of the finest yellow roses in the Austin collection. Its vigor, repeat-flowering nature, and attractive glossy foliage make it a reliable performer in gardens across temperate regions, where it can transform a bare wall or archway into a cascade of golden, fragrant beauty throughout the summer months.

Breeding History

Bred by David Austin and introduced in 1998, 'Teasing Georgia' (registered name AUStaker) was created from a cross involving 'Charles Austin' and an unnamed seedling. The name 'Teasing Georgia' was chosen for its playful, evocative quality rather than for any specific historical figure. The variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit and has been recognized at international rose trials for both its beauty and performance. It represents one of Austin's most successful attempts at creating a rich yellow English Rose with genuine old rose character, building on earlier yellow varieties that sometimes lacked the depth of color or fragrance desired.

Flower Form & Fragrance

The blooms are beautifully formed, opening from rounded buds into deeply cupped rosettes with approximately 55-70 petals. The center is a rich, warm yellow that gradually pales to soft cream at the edges, creating an appealing gradient effect. In cool weather the yellow is particularly deep and luminous. The flower form is classic English Rose, with a neatly arranged, slightly quartered center. Fragrance is strong and delightful, a blend of tea rose sweetness with fresh, slightly lemony undertones. The scent carries well in the garden, particularly on warm, still evenings.

Garden Design & Uses

Teasing Georgia excels as a climber on walls, pillars, obelisks, and fences, where its arching canes display cascades of golden blooms. It also makes a magnificent free-standing shrub for the back of borders. The warm yellow tones pair beautifully with blue and purple flowers such as delphiniums, campanulas, and geraniums. Plant with white roses for an elegant combination, or alongside warm-toned perennials like achillea and helenium. Use as a focal point on a sunny wall near a garden bench where the fragrance can be savored.

Growth Habit & Hardiness

Teasing Georgia is a vigorous grower that can reach 120-150 cm as a free-standing shrub, or 250-300 cm when trained as a climber. The spread is 100-120 cm as a shrub. Growth is arching and graceful, with long, flexible canes that lend themselves to training. Foliage is mid-to-dark green, glossy, and abundant, providing a handsome backdrop for the yellow blooms. Thorn density is moderate to high, with sharp, hooked prickles along the canes. The plant is vigorous and produces strong basal shoots that ensure long-term productivity.

Climate & Hardiness

Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Teasing Georgia performs well across a range of temperate climates. Cold tolerance is good to -20C with adequate winter protection. Heat tolerance is moderate; the yellow color holds better in cooler conditions and may bleach in extreme heat. Rain tolerance is fair, with the cupped blooms capable of holding water. Good drainage and air circulation are important. The variety thrives in the UK, Northern Europe, and similar climates with adequate summer warmth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Planting & Container Growing

Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. When planting as a climber, position 30-45 cm away from the wall to avoid the dry rain shadow zone. Prepare a generous planting hole enriched with compost. Plant the bud union 5 cm below soil level. If growing as a shrub, space plants 100-120 cm apart. As a climber, single plants suffice for most structures. Provide support wires or trellis for climbing. Full sun is ideal, though light afternoon shade in hot climates helps preserve color.

Container Growing

Teasing Georgia is not ideally suited to containers due to its vigorous, arching growth and climbing potential. If attempted, use a very large container of at least 60 cm diameter and depth. Use loam-based compost with added perlite. An obelisk or support structure within the pot is essential. Water frequently, as large containers dry out quickly. Feed fortnightly during the growing season. Feasibility rating: 4/10 as a climber, 6/10 if kept pruned as a compact shrub.

Seasonal Care & Pruning

Spring: Prune in early spring. For climbers, retain the main framework and shorten side shoots to 2-3 buds. For shrubs, reduce by one-third. Apply slow-release fertilizer and fresh mulch. Tie in new growth. Summer: Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat flowering. Water deeply in dry spells. Liquid feed fortnightly. Train and tie in new climbing shoots while flexible. Autumn: Tie in remaining long shoots before winter winds. Apply potash feed. Clear fallen leaves. Winter: Check ties and supports. Mulch the base. In cold areas, protect the bud union with insulating material.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not providing support when growing as a climber, leading to a tangled, unproductive mass. 2. Hard pruning the long canes each year, which prevents the plant from building the framework needed for climbing. 3. Planting too close to a wall where rain cannot reach the roots. 4. Ignoring the need for horizontal training of canes, which is essential for maximum bloom production. 5. Underestimating the eventual size, leading to overcrowding in small spaces.

Propagation

Teasing Georgia is commercially propagated by budding onto Rosa laxa rootstock. Softwood cuttings in early summer can root with moderate success. Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer are also viable. Hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn can work but success rates are lower. Layering of low-growing canes in spring is another effective method for home gardeners. The variety is under plant breeders' rights protection. Difficulty: moderate. The vigorous growth habit means that successfully rooted cuttings establish relatively quickly.

Diseases & Pests

Teasing Georgia has good overall disease resistance, though not exceptional. Blackspot can occur in wet seasons, particularly on lower foliage. Powdery mildew may appear in late summer during warm, humid conditions. A preventive fungicide program is advisable in areas prone to these diseases. Aphids are common on new growth in spring. Rose sawfly can occasionally defoliate portions of the plant. When grown as a climber against a warm wall, spider mites may be an issue in hot, dry weather. Generally a healthy, reliable variety with moderate disease pressure.

Cut Flowers & Exhibition

Cut stems when the outer petals have begun to unfurl and the center is still cupped. The long stems produced by climbing plants are ideal for tall arrangements. Remove thorns carefully and strip lower foliage. Condition in deep water for several hours before arranging. The rich yellow blooms create stunning garden-style arrangements. Expected vase life is 5-7 days. The tea rose fragrance adds a delightful element to indoor displays.

Collector & Exhibition Notes

Teasing Georgia remains in the David Austin catalogue and is widely available, so collector rarity is low. For exhibition, blooms can be impressive when well-grown, with the deeply cupped form and rich yellow color attracting attention. However, the informal flower form is less suited to formal hybrid tea-style showing. She excels in garden display classes and fragrance competitions. A recommended variety for any comprehensive English Rose collection, particularly for those with wall space or large structures to cover.

Comparison with Similar Roses

Compared to 'Graham Thomas', the most famous yellow Austin rose, Teasing Georgia has a richer, deeper yellow and better disease resistance but is somewhat less vigorous as a climber. Against 'Golden Celebration', Teasing Georgia has smaller but more abundantly produced blooms and a more versatile climbing ability. 'The Pilgrim' offers a softer yellow with more rosette-form blooms but lacks the climbing vigor of Teasing Georgia.

Heritage & Conservation

Teasing Georgia is a modern cultivar (1998) that remains in active commercial production. No conservation concerns exist. She represents the successful culmination of David Austin's quest to create a deeply colored yellow rose with true old rose character and climbing ability. The variety is maintained in the David Austin display gardens and continues to be propagated commercially. She builds on the legacy of 'Graham Thomas', expanding the options for yellow-flowered climbing English Roses.

Cultural Significance

Yellow roses traditionally symbolize friendship, joy, and caring. Teasing Georgia embodies these qualities with her warm, glowing blooms that radiate happiness in the garden. The color yellow in roses was historically difficult to achieve without sacrificing fragrance or old-rose form, making varieties like Teasing Georgia important milestones in rose breeding. The playful name suggests a lighthearted, cheerful character that matches the sunny disposition of the blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions