Old Roses

The Old Roses are divided into two categories: Summer Flowering Old Roses and Repeat Flowering Old Roses. Summer Flowering Old Roses are the true Old Roses of early European origin. It was these roses that played a key part in the development of David Austin’s English Roses. The true Old Roses consist of the Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Centifolias and Mosses. Although they only flower during the early summer, with one or two exceptions, they give a magnificent display. Many varieties have a wonderful fragrance and they are all full of character, as well as generally being extremely tough and easy to look after. Repeat Flowering Old Roses originate from the China Roses, which had the unique ability to repeat flower throughout the summer. They were introduced from China to Europe in the 18th century where they were soon cross-fertilized with the true Old Roses to create a group of repeat-flowering Old Roses, which includes the Chinas, Portlands, Bourbons and Hybrid Perpetuals. It may be said that the English Roses have now superseded these.