In researching old rose varieties, I've learned not to take any published description at face value. The ROSENLEXICON notation that 'Rev H D'Ombrain' is a climbing rose contradicts every other description -- early and very recent -- that I've found. I am hoping that someone having direct experience with this rare rose will address the question.

I find it particularly frustrating when a rose that is NOT a climber is identified as one. One case in point: I avoided the HT 'Tineke' for a very long while because HMF identifies it as a climber, which it isn't. Had I not investigated further, I would never have had the pleasure of growing the very best white HT I've ever found for my growing conditions.

I must point out, however, that HMF has made progress in correcting the description of 'Tineke'. After I submitted a comment on the matter, one of two mentions of 'Tineke' as a climber was removed from the description; one mention remains, so you're getting there. ;-)