In the quiet garden of history, roses have always been the unsung narrators of love and symbols of passion, loss, devotion, and yearning. In the first part of our Love Letter to Roses series, we explored the deep roots of these timeless flowers, their symbolic role in the language of love. Now, we turn to the roses themselves, each a character in its own right, bearing the essence of some of the most unforgettable love stories ever told.

For centuries, roses have been nature’s quiet confidants in the art of love, their petals carrying whispers of affection, longing, and devotion. These remarkable blooms have transcended cultures and eras, weaving their way into poetry, mythology, and cherished traditions. As we reflect on their history, we uncover a story as layered and evocative as the flowers themselves - a tale of beauty, meaning, and connection that has stood the test of time.

For David C.H. Austin, roses were his passion and life's work, each one telling a story of beauty, resilience, and romance. While he is celebrated for creating the English Rose, renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional fragrance, his extraordinary legacy began with a quiet, serendipitous discovery: ‘Stanwell Perpetual’. 

At David Austin roses, we've crafted four beautiful rose collections, each picked to offer a unique selection of our much loved English Roses. These new collections highlight roses that bring both beauty and fragrance to your garden, with choices for every style and space. Whether you're just starting to incorporate  roses into garden or looking to add something special, there's a perfect fit waiting for you.

Roses are a sight to behold in their apricot, pink, yellow or ivory glory, and a delight to breathe in too should you choose a variety with a forward fragrance. Without fragrance, the world would be emptier than we might first think.

Growing roses in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy their beauty, even if you're short on garden space. Whether you have a balcony, terrace, or just a small area in your garden, potted roses can add a touch of elegance and charm. You can create a stunning rose display that enhances your outdoor space with the proper care and a suitably sized pot.

A charming variety with deeply cupped rosette blooms in a rich sunset orange-yellow that softens to a delicate apricot hue, excluding a medium-strong Myrrh fragrance. This versatile rose is available as both a shrub and climbing rose, making it perfect for various garden settings.

Princess Anne^® (Auskitchen) is a striking English shrub rose bred by David Austin, known for its vibrant and enduring blooms.

With its exquisite deep pink, many-petalled rosette blooms and delightful, fruity fragrance, Gabriel Oak^® is a captivating English Shrub Rose that infuses any garden with timeless elegance. The vibrant, deep pink flowers contrast beautifully with their lush green foliage, creating a striking visual display that commands attention.

Cottage gardens have a special place in the heart of English horticulture. With their relaxed, informal style, they conjure up images of quaint countryside homes brimming with flowers and fragrance.

Planting a climbing or rambling rose in a pot is one of the most effective ways to introduce height, fragrance and structure to smaller gardens, courtyards and terraces. Whether used to frame a doorway, create a flowering screen along a wall or soften the lines of an obelisk, these roses offer a remarkable display when given the right conditions. Though the approach demands a little more upkeep than planting in open ground, the rewards are considerable: abundant blooms, repeat flowering, and a sense of movement and beauty that elevates even the most compact of spaces.

Brightening Your Garden with Roses: Creating a Beautiful Mixed Border with English Roses