Images are from the David Austin web site at http://www.davidaustinroses.com/ The first is an example of how to use his roses at a wedding, second is the "Scepter'd Isle Rose", third is the Austin Renaissance Rose Garden and last is the Austin Victorian Rose Garden (all in the UK).
English roses or David Austin roses are found in the U.S.A. and probably at a garden shop near you.
David Austin roses are English roses and have several particular attributes. For me the fragrance and flower form are the most enticing.
For a garden flower lover, there is something so very alluring about the cupped and full-rounded form. It speaks of romance.
The English rose has a fragrance for everyone. When walking through a garden in full bloom with English roses is to have the most expensive perfume available at your whim. The variety is huge and the strength is not subtle.
Saying all that, the English rose is not for every situation.
Many are not hardy in our zone 5 or colder areas. They take VERY careful and complete winter protection. They do have some that are rated zone 4 and I would advise anyone at the cold end of zone 5 to try these first. They are described as "climate specific" which not only considers the cold factor but when and how cold, heat, humidity and other factors apply.
The David Austin roses sold in the USA are grown first in the USA (Tyler, Texas) which allows some degree of familiarity to our conditions. But, they are Texas and not northern hardened off and I've lost a few while getting to know the limitations of my garden's rose environment.
Some have a tendency to have blackspot - if that's an issue in your garden, you may want to go with the ones that have shown resistance.
Many are large shrubs. In other words, do your homework when choosing a David Austin rose and be prepared to perhaps loose one in the process of finding one that will work in your yard.
I've lost "Evelyn" twice and have now given it up. I did love it (soft peach and so fragrant) but most of all it reminded me of the dear lady who helped me become a woman. Yes, much of my gardening choices are sentimental and don't have a lot to do with rationality.
If you are weighing the pros and cons of buying a David Austin rose, consider this little quote:
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
Abraham Lincoln.
I've been wanting "Brother Cadfael" (a hardy) and may take the plunge this spring. I've got that bare spot behind the house where the basement wall was replaced and is just calling for a rose.
Here's a little history about the David C.H. Austin rose and the breeder himself. David Austin lives in Shropshire, England and his breeding focus has been to blend the character and fragrance of the Old Garden Roses and the repeat-flowering ability and wide colour range of modern roses. His first introduction was in 1963.
The Austin roses are not officially recognised as a separate class of roses and typically referred to as English or Austin roses. Austin has currently introduced over 190 rose cultivars. For his rose breeding, he has received numerous and the most high horticultural and rose awards.
If you are a book enthusiast, there are many David Austin and Austin/English rose books available. Seldom is there a public rose display garden that doesn't include some of the Austin roses. I've received the DA catalog and keep it because they are simply a visual joy much like bookstore quality.
Whether you are looking at a rose addition to your gardens or simply looking at roses, the David Austin roses will fill the bill in so many ways.
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