Create Your Garden

David Austin Roses: Add Romance and Fragrance to Your Garden

David Austin Roses, also known as English Roses, combine the charm of old garden roses with the repeat blooming and resilience of modern hybrids.

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David Austin Roses: The Quintessential Blend of Tradition and Innovation

David Austin Roses are celebrated worldwide for their stunning beauty, rich fragrances, and continuous blooms, merging the charm of old-fashioned roses with the reliability of modern varieties. Developed by British horticulturist David Austin, these roses have revolutionized the rose industry by combining the beauty of Old Roses with the robust characteristics of contemporary hybrids. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, David Austin Roses offer an unparalleled garden experience, bringing elegance, fragrance, and color to any landscape.


What Are David Austin Roses?

David Austin Roses, also known as English Roses, are a collection of hybrid roses bred to embody the best qualities of old garden roses and modern cultivars. David Austin began his rose-breeding journey in the 1960s with a vision of creating roses that combined the romantic, cupped blooms and intoxicating scents of old garden roses (such as Gallicas, Damasks, and Alba roses) with the repeat-flowering ability, wide color range, and disease resistance of modern roses like Hybrid Tea Roses and Floribunda Roses.

These roses have become synonymous with beauty and elegance, offering a wide range of colors, growth habits, and fragrances. From climbers to shrub roses, each variety has been meticulously bred for its unique charm and exceptional garden performance.

Many David Austin roses have received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Key Characteristics of David Austin Roses

  • Romantic Blooms:
    David Austin Roses are known for their large, fully double blooms that resemble peonies or antique roses. Their intricate petal formations and ruffled textures create a sense of timeless beauty, making them a favorite in both formal and informal gardens.
  • Rich Fragrance:
    One of the defining features of David Austin Roses is their intoxicating scent. Each variety offers a unique fragrance profile, ranging from classic Old Rose scents to fruity, myrrh, or tea-like aromas.
  • Repeat Flowering:
    Unlike many traditional roses that bloom only once a season, David Austin Roses are prolific bloomers. They flower repeatedly from late spring through to the first frost, ensuring a continuous display of color and fragrance.
  • Versatile Growth Habits:
    David Austin Roses are available in various forms, including bushy shrubs, climbers, and even compact varieties suitable for containers. Their versatile growth habits make them adaptable to a wide range of garden styles.
  • Disease Resistance:
    While no rose is entirely immune to pests and diseases, David Austin Roses have been bred for improved resistance to common rose ailments like black spot  and powdery mildew, making them easier to care for than many other rose types.

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The History and Legacy of David Austin Roses

David Austin’s passion for roses began in his teenage years, inspired by the beauty and fragrance of old garden roses like Gallicas, Damasks, and Albas. However, these traditional roses only bloomed once a year and lacked the variety and vigor of modern hybrids. Determined to create the perfect rose, Austin sought to combine the romantic charm of antique roses with the repeat-flowering ability and hardiness of contemporary varieties.

His first major success came in 1961 with Rosa Constance Spry, a rose with large, cupped blooms and a strong myrrh fragrance. Though it only flowered once in spring, it marked the beginning of a revolutionary breeding program.

Over his lifetime, he introduced over 190 cultivars through his nursery, David Austin Roses, in Albrighton, near Wolverhampton, including the popular and award-winning roses Gertrude Jekyll, Graham Thomas, Claire Austin, Crown Princess Margareta, The Generous Gardener, and Princess Anne.

While not officially recognized as a distinct rose class by horticultural societies, Austin’s English Roses became immensely popular worldwide. His family continues his legacy, with his son and grandson managing the business. Austin passed away in 2018, leaving behind a transformative legacy in the rose industry, celebrated for creating some of the most beloved roses in modern history.

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Rosa Golden Celebration


David Austin Roses Description

David Austin Roses offer a diverse range of colors, forms, and fragrances, making them a standout choice for any garden.

Growth Habit

  • Deciduous shrubs or climbers, typically growing 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall.
  • Climbing varieties can reach heights of 10–12 feet (3–3.6 m), perfect for arches, trellises, and walls.
  • Bushy and rounded growth habit, ideal for borders, mixed plantings, hedges, and containers.
  • Some varieties have an arching or sprawling habit, lending a graceful look to informal gardens.

Flowers

  • Medium to large blooms, 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) in diameter.
  • Available in single, semi-double, and double forms, often with densely packed, cupped petals.
  • Wide color palette, including soft pastels, rich pinks, vibrant yellows, deep reds, and apricots.
  • Many varieties boast strong, complex fragrances ranging from fruity and myrrh to old rose and tea scents.
  • Flowers bloom in clusters or as solitary blooms, creating a continuous display from late spring to frost.

Foliage

  • Glossy to matte dark green leaves, providing a striking contrast to the blooms.
  • Dense foliage offers a lush backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of the flowers.
  • Some varieties display bronze or red-tinted new growth, adding seasonal interest.

Blooming Habit

  • Prolific, repeat bloomers with flushes of flowers from late spring through autumn.

Adaptability

  • Thrive in full sun or partial shade (Some can flourish with just four to five hours of good sunlight daily)
  • Hardy and disease-resistant, with many varieties showing excellent tolerance to black spot and mildew.
  • Suitable for a wide range of garden styles, from formal layouts to cottage gardens.

Other Features

  • Lightly to moderately thorned stems, depending on the variety.
  • Perfect for use as cut flowers, with many varieties having long, sturdy stems and a lasting vase life.
  • Many cultivars have received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, recognizing their superior garden performance.

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Why Grow David Austin Roses?

David Austin Roses have garnered a loyal following among gardeners for their exceptional beauty, fragrance, and garden performance. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and potential challenges of growing these beloved roses.

Pros of Growing David Austin Roses

  • Continuous Blooms: With their repeat-flowering habit, David Austin Roses provide color and fragrance from spring to frost.
  • Exceptional Fragrance: Each variety offers a unique, rich scent that enhances garden spaces and floral arrangements.
  • Versatility: Suitable for borders, hedges, containers, and climbing structures, these roses fit into any garden design.
  • Improved Disease Resistance: Bred for resilience, they are more resistant to common rose diseases, reducing maintenance needs.
  • Wide Color Range: From soft pastels to vibrant hues, the extensive color palette allows for creative garden designs.

Cons of Growing David Austin Roses

  • Thirsty Plants: These roses require regular watering, especially during dry spells, to maintain their lush blooms.
  • Prone to Fungal Issues in Humid Climates: While disease-resistant, they may still experience black spot or powdery mildew in overly humid conditions, especially if air circulation is poor.
  • Initial Cost: David Austin Roses can be more expensive than standard roses, though their beauty and performance often justify the investment.
  • Winter Protection: Like many roses, some David Austin varieties may need additional protection in colder climates to guard against frost damage. Mulching and insulating measures are recommended, particularly in USDA Zones 4-6 or areas with harsh winters.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Climbers, Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

David Austin Roses: Cultivating Elegance in Every Bloom

Design Ideas with David Austin Roses

David Austin Roses are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of garden styles, from formal rose gardens to informal cottage borders. Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into your landscape:

Classic Rose Borders:
Plant David Austin Roses in mixed borders alongside perennials and shrubs. Their continuous blooms provide color throughout the season, complementing other garden favorites like lavender, catmint, and salvia. Find the best companion plants for your roses.

Romantic Cottage Gardens:
Combine them with traditional cottage garden plants like foxgloves, phlox, geranium, and delphiniums. Their soft, ruffled blooms add a romantic touch, while their fragrance fills the garden with a delightful scent.

Climbing Roses on Structures:
Use climbing varieties to adorn arches, pergolas, and trellises. They create stunning vertical interest and can transform simple structures into focal points. For example, combining roses and clematis is a classic choice, where the delicate clematis vines complement the boldness of roses, creating vertical interest and a layered garden effect.

Formal Garden Design:
For a more structured look, plant David Austin Roses in symmetrical patterns or low hedges. Their tidy growth habits and repeat blooms make them perfect for formal garden layouts.

Container Planting:
Many compact varieties thrive in containers, making them ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens. Choose decorative pots that complement the rose’s color and form.

Explore Perfect Rose Pairings and Inspiring Garden Ideas

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How to Grow and Care for David Austin Roses

Growing David Austin Roses successfully requires attention to their specific needs, from planting to pruning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your roses thrive:

Sunlight

Although roses generally require full sun to thrive, many English Roses perform surprisingly well in partial shade. Some can flourish with just four to five hours of good sunlight daily, still producing abundant blooms and maintaining their health even in less sunny garden spots.

Soil

David Austin Roses prefer well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost to improve fertility and structure.

Planting

  • Timing: Plant bare-root roses as soon as possible after arrival, ideally in early spring or fall. Before planting, soak the entire plant in water overnight to hydrate the roots. Container-grown roses can be planted any time, provided the ground isn’t frozen.
  • Depth: When planting, ensure the graft union (the swollen area where the rose is grafted onto the rootstock) is positioned correctly. In colder climates, the graft union should be about 3 inches (7 cm) below ground level for winter protection. In milder regions, it can be planted at ground level. After planting, water thoroughly and mound about 6 inches (15 cm) of compost, soil, or bark chippings around the base until the plant leafs out.
  • Spacing: For an impressive garden display, consider planting roses in tight groups of three of the same variety. This allows them to grow together, forming the appearance of one dense, lush shrub, which provides a continuous display of blooms. Space the roses approximately 18 inches (45 cm) apart within the group. For adjacent plants of different varieties, maintain about 3 feet (90 cm) of spacing. For hedges, plant roses closer together, around 18 inches (45 cm) apart, to create a fuller, more cohesive effect.
  • Additional Tips: Container roses should be soaked thoroughly before planting and placed at the same depth as bare-root roses. Always ensure the roots remain moist during the planting process to promote strong establishment.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply at the base to encourage deep root growth, and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

Feed your roses with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth begins. Repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or weak stems and shaping the plant for optimal growth. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Winter Protection

In colder climates, protect roses by adding extra mulch around the base or using rose cones. For climbing roses, tie canes together and wrap them in burlap if frost is expected.ost.

Pest and Disease Management

While many English Roses boast good disease resistance, they can still be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases that may affect their health and appearance. However, with consistent care, preventive measures, and timely intervention, you can keep your roses thriving, ensuring they remain healthy and beautiful throughout the season.

  • Aphids: These tiny insects feed on rose sap, causing deformed leaves and stunted growth. Treat infestations by spraying plants with a strong jet of water, applying insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
  • Spider mites: These microscopic pests thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing yellowing leaves and webbing. Increase humidity around your roses and treat severe infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Japanese beetles: These pests chew on leaves and flowers, leaving skeletonized foliage. Handpick beetles and drop them into soapy water, or use traps strategically placed away from the plants.

Fungal diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust are frequent rose problems, particularly in humid conditions.

  • Black Spot: This disease causes circular black spots on leaves, leading to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
  • Powdery mildew: Characterized by white, powdery growth on leaves, this disease thrives in cool, humid conditions. Improve airflow by pruning crowded canes and treat with sulfur-based fungicides.
  • Rust: Yellow or orange spots appear on the undersides of leaves. Remove infected foliage and treat with fungicides.

Cottage Garden, roses, salvia, lady's mantle, garden border, pink flowers, purple flowersRoses, Salvia, Catmint, and Lady’s Mantle


Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about David Austin Roses?

David Austin Roses, also known as English Roses, are renowned for blending the old-world charm of heritage roses with the practicality of modern varieties. They feature lush, romantic blooms with rich, captivating fragrances reminiscent of old garden roses. What sets them apart is their repeat-flowering nature, offering continuous blooms from late spring to frost, along with improved disease resistance and a broad palette of colors. Their versatility makes them suitable for garden borders, containers, climbers, and even hedges.


Why are David Austin Roses Discontinued?

David Austin Roses may be discontinued for several reasons:

  • Breeding Advances: As new cultivars with improved traits (better disease resistance, stronger fragrance, or more vigorous growth) are introduced, older varieties may be phased out.
  • Limited Commercial Demand: Some roses might not perform well in certain climates or may not be as popular with gardeners, leading to reduced sales.
  • Cultivation Challenges: Varieties prone to disease or requiring more care may be discontinued in favor of hardier, lower-maintenance options.
  • Space for New Varieties: To make room for newer introductions, less popular or outdated cultivars may be removed from the catalog.

Is it Worth Buying David Austin Roses?

Absolutely! David Austin Roses are celebrated for their beauty, fragrance, and garden performance. While they may cost more than standard roses, their repeat-blooming habit, disease resistance, and wide variety of colors and forms make them a valuable addition to any garden. Their versatility allows them to fit into formal gardens, cottage gardens, containers, or even climbing up walls and trellises. The investment pays off in the form of season-long blooms and a delightful fragrance.


Which David Austin Rose Smells the Best?

David Austin Roses are famed for their fragrance, and some stand out for their particularly intense or unique scents:

  • Gertrude Jekyll – Widely regarded as one of the most fragrant David Austin Roses, it exudes a classic old rose scent that is rich, deep, and unmistakable.
  • Harlow Carr – Celebrated for its strong, pure old rose fragrance, this variety has perfectly formed, medium pink blooms and a compact, bushy habit, making it a favorite among gardeners.

  • Golden Celebration – One of the most fragrant yellow roses, it boasts a rich, sweet tea rose scent with hints of citrus. Its large, golden-yellow blooms are both stunning and highly aromatic.

  • Claire Austin – Known for its powerful myrrh fragrance, layered with sweet hints of vanilla and heliotrope, accompanied by elegant creamy white blooms.
  • Scepter’d Isle – Provides a lighter, fresh myrrh fragrance that’s sweet and delicate, ideal for those who prefer a softer scent

Fragrance can be subjective, so visiting a garden center or rose display to sample the scents in person can help you find your favorite.


What is the Difference Between David Austin Roses and Regular Roses?

  • Bloom Style: David Austin Roses are known for their full, cupped, or rosette-shaped blooms that resemble old garden roses, while regular modern roses, like Hybrid Teas, often have more pointed, formal blooms.
  • Fragrance: English Roses are bred for strong, rich scents, while many modern roses prioritize appearance over fragrance, leading to less aromatic varieties.
  • Repeat Blooming: While old garden roses often bloom only once, David Austin Roses combine their charm with modern repeat-blooming abilities, offering flowers throughout the season.
  • Disease Resistance: Many David Austin Roses are bred for better disease resistance than traditional varieties, making them easier to care for in the garden.
  • Growth Habit: David Austin Roses tend to have a more natural, shrub-like growth, making them suitable for informal gardens, while regular roses, like Hybrid Teas, often have a more upright, formal habit.

Recommended Guides

Best English Roses for Partial Shade
Most Fragrant English Roses
Best English Roses for Cutting from the Garden
Best English Roses for Mixed Borders
Best English Roses for Pots and Containers
Best David Austin Roses for the Southeast
Best David Austin Roses for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in the Midwest
Best David Austin Roses for Gardeners in New England
Best David Austin Roses for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners
Best David Austin Roses for Southern California
Climbing or Rambler Roses for my Garden?
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28 Beautiful White Roses to Illuminate Your Garden and Home
38 Beautiful Yellow Roses to Enrich Your Garden and Home
50 Pink Roses to Add Grace, Fragrance, and Romance to Your Garden
Rose Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Roses
39 Stunning Red Roses to Enrich Your Garden
Underplanting Roses – Companion Plants for Roses
Combining Roses and Clematis
All America Rose Selections Winners
Pretty Rambler Roses for your Garden
Heirloom Roses: Timeless Beauties for Your Garden
Rose Hips: Benefits, Uses, and Fun Facts
The Power of Roses: Rose Water, Rose Syrup, Rose Oil, and Rose Hips
Rose Oil: A Luxurious Elixir for Beauty and Wellness
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Climbers, Roses, Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rosa (Rose) Rosa (Climbing Roses) Rosa (Shrub Roses)

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