Flower of the Week: David Austin Rose

It is believed that roses were grown in all the early civilizations of temperate latitudes at least 5,000 years ago. The significant breeding of modern times started slowly in Europe, from about the 17th century with an enormous range of roses being bred ever since.

The following post was submitted by  staff member, Maggie Wiles.

Development of the David Austin's English Roses started in the 1960s by David Austin of Shropshire, England, who wanted to rekindle interest in Old Garden Roses by hybridizing them with modern hybrid teas and floribundas. The idea was to create a new group of roses that featured blooms with old-fashioned shapes and fragrances, but with modern repeat-blooming characteristics and the larger modern color range as well.

Austin Roses are generally easy to grow and remarkably tolerant.

First select a site with at least a few hours of sun each day where the roots of the rose will not be in competition with the roots of other plants, especially trees. Roses will grow in a wide range of soils, but whatever type they do appreciate good soil preparation. The addition of a generous quantity of well rotted manure or garden compost before planting will help to ensure strong growth.

Mulching with organic matter is a very important part of rose growing, helping to conserve water, keeping the ground cool and feeding the microorganisms and worms in the soil.

You can't beat David Austin English roses for sheer romance and beauty. Add one to your garden and get ready to fall in love but be forewarned it will be hard to stop with just one.

Once you experience their sweet aroma and stunning blooms, you'll want more.