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Benjamin Britten - Retired

Forever part of our history, these roses have paved the way for many more roses to come.

In the late 1940s, David C H Austin set out on his quest to breed the most beautiful and healthy roses; a vision that continues to remain at the heart of our business today, more than 80 years later. This vision drives our continuing assessment of rose varieties in the current collection to ensure they reach our exacting standards and expectations. Due to climatic changes and the evolution of plant diseases, some historical varieties will no longer reach our increasingly high standards. It is in these instances that we must retire the rose to ensure customers receive only the best roses that will thrive and deliver the most enjoyable customer experience, regardless of gardening expertise. As a result of our review process, Benjamin Britten is now retired from our English Rose Collection but will always remain part of our history, paving the way for many more new roses to come, creating the next generation of roses.

If you love Benjamin Britten, we have some great alternatives, which we are sure will endear themselves to you, bringing you much happiness and gardening enjoyment for years to come.

Benjamin Britten
(Ausencart) English Shrub Rose Bred By David Austin
Glowing deep red-pink, rosette shaped blooms. Lovely intensely fruity fragrance, with hints of wine and pear drops. Bushy growth. David Austin, 2001.
  • Colour: Glowing deep red-pink
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Medium,Fruity
  • Bloom Size: Medium
  • Family: English Shrub Rose
  • Size: Medium Shrub
  • Height: 4 1/2ft (140cm)
  • Width: 3ft (90cm)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 2001
  • Cutting
  • Mixed Border
  • Rose Border
  • Rose Hedges
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • All soil types
Benjamin Britten
Our rose expert’s reccomendation
Gabriel Oak®
(Ausencart) English Shrub Rose Bred By David Austin
A magnificent variety, bearing large, many petalled rosette blooms. They are a striking shade of deep pink, the outer petals of each bloom paling slightly over time. The beauty of the blooms is enhanced by a wonderful, strong fruity fragrance. A vigorous rose; it forms a very shapely, broad, rounded shrub with mulberry purple stems and dark green foliage, giving the overall impression of richness and abundance. Named after the beloved character in Thomas Hardy’s novel, Far from the Madding Crowd. David Austin, 2019.
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Gabriel Oak®
Description
Glowing deep red-pink, rosette shaped blooms. Lovely intensely fruity fragrance, with hints of wine and pear drops. Bushy growth. David Austin, 2001.
Characteristics
  • Colour: Glowing deep red-pink
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Medium,Fruity
  • Bloom Size: Medium
  • Family: English Shrub Rose
  • Size: Medium Shrub
  • Height: 4 1/2ft (140cm)
  • Width: 3ft (90cm)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 2001
Location
  • Roses Ideal for CuttingCutting
  • Mixed Border
  • Rose Border
  • Roses Ideal for Rose HedgesRose Hedges
Growing conditions
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • Roses Suitable for All Soil TypesAll soil types
Behind the name
Named to commemorate the life of the popular English composer, conductor and performer. His compositions include large-scale symphonic scores, songs and choral works.
How to plant a shrub rose
Frequently asked questions

Need more help? for individual help or advice, we encourage you to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01902 376300.

Bare root roses are dormant plants and can be planted November and April.

Potted roses are available all year round and can be planted at any time of the year.

Aside from extreme weather, roses can be planted at any time during the year. The extreme weather conditions that we advise against planting in are when the ground is frozen, water-logged or during a drought.

We take every care to breed, grow and deliver the best roses. If a rose fails to grow or arrives damaged, we will replace it free of charge. The 5 year guarantee applies to roses purchased
directly from David Austin. If you would like to request a replacement or refund of a rose within the 5 year guarantee period, please complete our Returns form.

Call us on 01902 376300

Email us help@davidaustinroses.co.uk

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  • Saturday
    8:30am — 4:30pm
  • Sunday
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