Plant of the month - June - David Austin Roses

Darcey Bussell (Ausdecorum)

June heralds the start of the main flowering period for Roses. Here at Monkton Elm we are proud to stock David Austin English Roses.

Boscobel (Auscousin)

New Roses in the old tradition – Bred and introduced by David Austin Roses
This is a comparatively new group of roses that first came to prominence in the 1970's. They originated from crosses we made between certain old roses and modern hybrid teas and floribundas. English Roses combine the delicate charm and fragrance of an old rose with the wide colour range and repeat flowering of a modern rose. The characteristics of these roses may be described as follows:- 

Beauty of the flower 
The form of flowers of English Roses is very much that of an old rose – they may be cup-shaped or in the shape of a rosette, often with numerous small petals; the light between the petals giving them a warm and glowing effect – or the petals may turn downwards, to provide a more domed flower. In addition, there are endless variations between these basic shapes. English Roses have been bred not so much for brilliance of colour, or even for excessive flowering capacity, but for the delicate charm and fragrance of their individual flowers. 

 Tranquillity (Ausnoble)

Pleasing Growth 
English Roses have natural, shrubby growth, which makes them ideal plants for the mixed border and garden generally. They may form shrubs of four or five feet in height (1.2 – 1.5m) or may be quite short – no larger than a hybrid tea rose. They may have bushy growth, or may be gracefully arching. A few are quite upright, making them suitable to place behind other plants. Shorter varieties can be used for bedding. Some of the taller varieties make excellent repeat-flowering climbers. 

Foliage 
An added pleasure to be gained from English Roses is the beauty of their widely varying foliage particularly early in the year, before the blooms appear and again later, as a background to the flowers. 

The Generous Gardener Climbing (Ausdrawn)

Delicious Fragrances 
English Roses are not only notable for the charm and beauty of their flowers and their elegant growth, but also for their rich and varying fragrances. In this way, they are undoubtedly second to none. Among them, in their different varieties, you will find not only the beautiful old rose fragrance, but the tea rose fragrance, the musk rose fragrance, the fragrance of myrrh and of many different fruits – and a whole variety of other fragrances; indeed, no group of flowers, of any kind, can rival them in this respect. 

The Flower Arranger’s Rose 
Arranging flowers for the house is one of the great pleasures of gardening and English Roses are ideal in this respect. Arranged either on their own, or with other flowers or foliage, they make a beautiful picture and often remind us of the flower paintings of the old Dutch Masters.  

English Roses are remarkably adaptable plants. They can be used to excellent effect in a wide variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions that you may find helpful… Mixed borders, Rose Borders & Beds, Climbers, Standards or for Pots and Urns.

Gertrude Jekyll (Ausbord)

Rose cultivation

Roses are easy to grow and remarkably tolerant. Roses do respond well to some extra care and attention by being more floriferous and healthy.

Planting position
Select a site with at least four hours of sun each day where the roots of the rose will not be in competition with the roots of other plants, especially trees and hedges.

Planting distances
English Roses, Old Roses and other Shrub Roses look superb planted in groups of three or more of one variety. They will then grow together to form one dense shrub, which will provide a more continuous display and make a more definite statement in your border.

Soil type
Roses grow in a wide variety of soils but they do appreciate good soil preparation. The addition of Westlands Rose, Tree & Shrub Planting Compost and some Rootgrow before planting will help ensure strong growth.

Healthy Roses
The best way to keep your roses healthy is to choose a disease resistant variety. Excessive nitrogen can make roses more susceptible to both pests and diseases. However, an occasional spray can help, the most effective being at the start of the season before symptoms develop. We recommend Rose Clear Ultra.

Dead-Heading
This is the removal of spent flowers, It encourages repeat flowering and makes a tidier plant. Either remove just the dead flower or cut the stems down to the first full leaf.

 Lady of Shallot (Ausnyson)

If you require further information a member of our plant advisory staff will always be happy to help.