We grow it on 'Fortuniana' roots, which tends to give great vigor to a rose. I don't know that I've ever seen it taller than perhaps 6 feet, usually less, nor wider than 4 feet, usually less. We do give ours a pretty severe haircut every spring, so I don't know what it would do with no pruning.

Six feel tall on its own roots here in the Bay Area of California, blooming all at the top and I could not get it to bloom lower. Chlorotic in my high pH soil. YMMV. Nutritional issues did not keep it from being vigorous.

Rosefolly

thanks for replying Malcom and rose folly. Seems like I may have to place the Comte in my " tea alley" where he can grow as he pleases ðÂÂÂ

You have your Comte on the way, but I would like to suggest a replacement in case you don't have good luck with the Comte. A much better rose for me, that is virtually identical in all respects except disease resistance and vigor, is Gertrude Jekyll. Comte is a parent of Jekyll. Both have the same bloom and exceedingly strong classic rose fragrance and vicious thorns, but Jekyll is very healthy for me and a strong bloomer whereas Comte is a black spot magnet and generally drops most of its leaves by mid summer. Comte is spindly and a weak grower here, whereas Jekyll, on her own roots, is a very strong grower. I live in Hattiesburg Ms, our summers are hot and humid. It's zone 8b. Incidentally, here Jekyll seems to like a rather severe haircut in late January. It will cover itself in new growth and blooms magnificently.
I have been critical of the Austin roses as not performing well in my zone, and particularly being not so long lived . I make an exception however for Gertrude Jekyll, Graham Thomas and Pilgrim. I haven't tried nearly all the Austin roses, but I have tried many, Those I mentioned have been excellent performers in my hands, all the others I've tried were just so so.

Gertrude Jeckyll is a better rose for me as well. It does not have the same issues with chlorosis, a decided improvement. Also it does not insist on having all its roses up over my head. I have two in my garden here, one growing as a shrub and another I am fanning out against the front fence.

GT has a reputation of being a shy rebloomer. It is one of the roses I find improves with age in this area. Young GTs don't rebloom much, if at all. Older plants rebloom maybe twice during the growing season here, which I find to be perfectly satisfactory. I would list GT as one of David Austin's dozen finest roses, and very possibly one of the half dozen finest. (Munstead Wood and the once-blooming Constance Spry would also be on this list).

Rosefolly

Thanks so much Rosefolly and Newtie. I will call Austin and ask for an exchange. I always wanted to try Gertrude Jekyll, but I thought the Antique would be superior. I love this forum.

Thanks so much Rosefolly and Newtie. I will call Austin and ask for an exchange. I always wanted to try Gertrude Jekyll, but I thought the Antique would be superior. I love this forum.

Thanks so much Rosefolly and Newtie. I will call Austin and ask for an exchange. I always wanted to try Gertrude Jekyll, but I thought the Antique would be superior. I love this forum.

Thanks so much Rosefolly and Newtie. I will call Austin and ask for an exchange. I always wanted to try Gertrude Jekyll, but I thought the Antique would be superior. I love this forum.