Traditional beauty from David Austen Roses

Rosa 'Olivia Rose Austin'  (copyright David Austen Roses)














Amid the wacky and ostentatious in the main exhibitor marquee at the Chelsea Flower Show, David Austen Roses' stand is always a picture of tradition and tranquility. And the show will feature the perennial launch of their 2014 rose introductions.  

Rosa 'Olivia Rose Austin' (Ausmixture) has the shape of an 'old rose', with its double shallow-cupped rosettes, and was named after David Austin Junior' s daughter. Fully hardy, shiny Leander-type foliage, vigorous growth, repeat-flowering and highly disease-resistant, makes this an excellent rose to grown in any garden situation. But the winner for me are the perfectly-formed 3.5in blooms, which are a delicate shade of pink, and the strong fragrance which has tones of mixed fruits.

Rosa 'The Lady of the Lake' (Ausherbert) is a repeat-flowering, semi-double rambler come climber. Don;t be fooled though, this rose is reported to grow to a height of 10 or 12ft, but possibly more. Attractive flowers of blush pink with golden stamens are produced on long, slender, flexible stems.

Rosa 'The Lady of the Lake' (Ausherbert)   
(copyright David Austen Roses)