English Roses

David Austin has spent the last sixty years developing his award-winning English Roses. Combining the delicate charm and wonderful fragrances of the Old Roses with the wider colour range and repeat-flowering nature of modern roses, they are hard to beat for sheer exuberance of flower and scent. As a group they are renowned for their outstanding health, reliability and vigour. Their graceful, shrubby habits make them ideal for mixed borders, planting in large containers or for creating any kind of rose garden. Many varieties can also be trained as climbers or used to create fragrant, floriferous hedges.

Buy English Roses online with David Austin

English Roses are known for their beautiful blooms, rich fragrances, and repeat flowering throughout the season. At David Austin, we have spent over 60 years perfecting our collection, combining the charm of old-fashioned roses with modern reliability. Browse our range and order online for delivery straight to your garden.

Some of our favourite English roses include the Emma Bridgewater English Shrub Rose, the Claire Austin^® English Climbing Rose and the Malvern Hills^® English Rambling Rose.

We offer a wide variety of English Rose Colours, including Apricot & Orange, Pink, White & Cream, Yellow and Red. You might also be interested in our collections of Old Roses and Hybrid Teas.

What is an English Rose?

An English Rose is a variety developed by David Austin, combining the best traits of traditional old roses with the repeat flowering and disease resistance of modern varieties. They are known for their full, delicate blooms, rich fragrances, and a wide range of colours, making them a favourite for gardens around the world

How to plant English Roses

To plant an English Rose, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, mix in organic compost, and position the rose so that the graft union sits just below soil level. Fill in with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

You can find more information on planting English Roses in our guide to planting potted roses.

When to plant English Roses

The best time to plant bare-root English Roses is during their dormant season, from late autumn to early spring. Potted roses can be planted year-round but will establish best in spring or autumn when the weather is cooler. Avoid planting in extreme heat or frozen ground.

How to prune English Roses

Pruning English Roses helps maintain their shape, encourage strong growth, and promote repeat flowering. In late winter or early spring, remove dead, weak, or crossing stems. Cut healthy stems back by about a third, making a clean cut just above an outward-facing bud. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season encourages further blooms.

Find out more information on pruning in our guide to pruning and English shrub rose.

What does an English Rose smell like?

English Roses are renowned for their fragrance, which varies by variety. Some have classic old rose scents, while others feature notes of citrus, myrrh, musk, or even tea.

When do English Roses bloom?

English Roses typically bloom from late spring through to the first frosts of autumn, with repeat flowering varieties producing several flushes throughout the season. Deadheading and regular feeding help prolong the blooming period.

How to care for English Roses

English Roses thrive with regular care. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially in dry weather. Feed with a balanced rose fertiliser in early spring and again after the first flush of flowers. Mulching in spring helps retain moisture and improve soil health. Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage strong new growth. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, treating as needed to keep your roses in top condition.