The magnificent David Austin roses on the Nursery are largely varieties of shrub roses bred from old roses and modern roses (hybrid tea and floribunda types) to make English roses. Modern roses became increasingly popular at the end of the 19th century almost to the exclusion of old roses. It wonderful that they have been revived so successfully.
The beauty of shrubs roses is we can grow them into large bushes without having to cut them low down as we do with modern types. Many have also have also been bred to retain the large multi petal flowers, fragrance and good repeat flowering potential and disease resistance. You will find due to the vigour many shrubs will also make small climbers.
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| Shrub roses in mixed herbaceous borders |
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| Munstead Wood (Ausbernard) and Wisley 2008 under planted with nepeta in a mixed herbaceous border. Wisley 2008 in the background |
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| Wisley 2008 (Ausbreeze) with a clematis companion |
They also mix in shrub borders but do be wary. Do not plant them with too much competition from large overbearing shrubs as roses like a little breathing space to perform their best.
These roses produce a lot of flower. To help sustain more flowers mulch in the autumn or spring and feed, particularly as the flush of flowers is coming to an end and we want new buds to form.
If you have an old wall that is facing north where a climbing rose would look simply perfect you may think there is nothing you can grow you would be wrong.
Recommendations for a North Wall
The Pilgrim, Crown Princess Margareta, Graham Thomas, Teasing Georgia or the Generous Gardener.
The Pilgrim
Soft, medium yellow flowers described as shallow cupped rosettes. This can be grown as medium sized shrub 120cm-90cm or small climber 3m.Fragrance classed as a delightful tea rose mixed with myrrh fragrance.
The Generous Gardener
(Ausdrawn)
(RHS Award of Garden Merit ) The most important English climber. Marked the 75th anniversary of the National Garden Scheme
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The Generous Gardener (Ausdrawn)
Images courtesy of David Austin Roses
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150-120cm, climber height 3.6-4.5m.
Crown Princess Margareta
(Auswinter)
Rich apricot-orange large rosette flowers with a fruity fragrance. 150cm x 140ch as a shrub or 3.6m as a climber. Arches well making it perfect for arbours.Another that can be grown as a shrub or a climber and It will tolerate a north facing situation.
Graham Thomas
(Ausmas)
Described as one of the best English climbing roses. Can be grown as a Shrub 120cm x 120cm or a climber 3m. Awarded numerous medals for fragrance Should you have a shady area and wish to grow a shrub rose there is a good selection of suitable candidates.
Recommendations for Shady Positions
Boscobel (pink shrub)
Crown Princess Margareta (shrub climber)
Gertrude Jekyll, Pink, (Voted England’s favourite. rose by BBC Gardener’s World viewers )
Graham Thomas (shrub and climber)
Francis E. Leicester (Rambler), single white , 20ft AGM
Harlow Carr (Also a standard.) Miniature old rose warm pink flowers.
Kew Rambler, 20ft ,Pink.
Lady of Shallot (shrub, soft orange with trims of red)
Lady of the Lake ,blush pink, semi double (Rambler)
Malvern Hills, yellow, (a ramblers habit but this repeat flowers)
Princess Anne. Deep pink, remarkably disease resistant.
Rambling Rector ,white, semi double 25ft,(Rambler) huge. AGM
R. Flipes Kiftsgate , single white,(60ft,Rambler) ,AGM
The Generous Gardener (shrub or climber forms a good arch. One of the very best)
Thomas A Beckett (Quick to repeat flower
Teasing Georgia, soft yellow, repeat flowers well
Wisley 2008, Soft pink, (Superseded the original as it is significantly better)
Princess Anne
(Auskitchen)
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| Remarkable disease resistance. 90 x 60cm. Unique unusual flower far prettier than the photo. Flowers over a long time. |
Wisley 2008 (Ausbreeze)
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| 150cm x100cm. Described as a fresh fruity fragrance with hints of raspberries and tea. |
Lady of Shallott
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| Hints of spiced apple. Highly disease resistant. 120cm x 100cm |
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| 120 x 90 cm. Very disease resistant |
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| Small sweet little rosette cups with an old rose fragrance. 120 x 90cm |
Climbing Roses For North Facing Situations
Crown Princess Margareta (Excellent for arches)
Graham Thomas Voted The World’s Favourite Rose .RHS Award of Garden Merit )
Teasing Georgia (RHS Award of Garden Merit )
The Generous Gardener (RHS Award of Garden Merit ) The most important English climber.
Marked the 75th anniversary of the National Garden Scheme
The Pilgrim (RHS Award of Garden Merit )
Claire Austin , creamy white flowers .
Wollerton Old Hall (Climbing Rose)
These roses can also be kept smaller and maintained
as a bush.
Roses For Shady Areas
Bonica (Shrub Rose)
Boscobel (pink shrub)
Crown Princess Margareta (shrub climber)
Dame Judi Dench (Shrub Rose) Apricot, NEW
Gertrude Jekyll, Pink, (Voted England’s favourite. rose
by BBC Gardener’s World viewers )
Graham Thomas (shrub or climber)
Kew Gardens (Shrub Rose)
Olivia Rose Austin (Shrub Rose)
Phyllis Bide (Shrub Rose)
Princess Anne. Deep pink, remarkably disease resistant.
Roald Dahl (Shrub Rose) NEW
The Generous Gardener (shrub or climber forms a good
arch. One of the very best)
Teasing Georgia, (Shrub or climber Rose) soft yellow,
repeat flowers well
The Poet's Wife (Shrub Rose)
Wisley 2008, Soft pink, (Shrub Rose ) (Superseded the
original as it is significantly better)
Most Ramblers Will Thrive In Shade
