DAVID AUSTIN JNR’S FAVOURITE ROSES

Gertrude Jekyll® (‘Ausbord’):

“It has phenomenal scent,” says David, of the classic, bright pink English climbing rose, which reaches an ultimate height of 8ft (2.4m). It is also available as a shrub rose.

Desdemona® (‘Auskindling’):

Peachy-pink buds reveal large, faintly blushed white flowers on neatly rounded foliage. The fragrance is a fusion of almond blossom, cucumber and lemon zest. Suitable for pot growing or in a mixed border, or planted as a hedge. Height and spread 3½ft (1m).

Olivia Rose Austin® (‘Ausmixture’):

“Named after my daughter, this is a beautiful, perfect pink rose on glossy foliage. It flowers early and keeps on going. It also makes a fantastic standard rose,” says David. Height and spread of this fruitily fragranced shrub rose is 3½ft (1m).

Emily Brontë® (‘Ausearnshaw’):

“Robust and easy to grow, I recommend this one to new gardeners,” says David. It is a bushy shrub rose, with delicately pink, flat flowers, which fade to a pretty cream. “The sheer number of flowers, and the fact that it’s a quintessential David Austin rose, makes it a favourite,” he adds.

Kew Gardens® (‘Ausfence’):

A medium-sized shrub rose, with small single flowers, with large heads, similar to hydrangeas. These are produced almost continuously from early summer into autumn. Height is approximately 4ft (1.2m). “It’s one of the best roses we have bred,” says David. It thrives in semi-shaded areas.

Malvern Hills (‘Auscanary’):

“This is a repeat-flowering rambler, with yellow flowers. It’s quite strong growing, and you need some space to accommodate it,” advises David. It has a musky scent and very few thorns. Height is approximately 15ft (4.5m). It would suit a large arch or a high wall, or fence, of 10ft (3m) or more.